Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, has declared that she will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming local government polls in October, stepping down from her role after six years to pursue fresh opportunities.
Capp, who took office in 2018, cited the need for new leadership in Melbourne when she initially assumed her position.
She highlighted internal challenges, including unacceptable behavior among council members, and delays in key projects like the renewal of the Queen Victoria Market, as issues she tackled during her tenure.
Read Sally Capp’s full statement:
In a statement released today, Capp expressed her intent to conclude her term in June and collaborate with the council and CEO to ensure a smooth transition.
The decision comes after her re-election in 2020 for a second four-year term.
Reflecting on her time as Melbourne’s lord mayor, Capp underscored achievements such as the redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market precinct and initiatives like the Greenline project along the Yarra River.
She also noted the significance of being the first directly elected female lord mayor in Melbourne and urged more women to consider public office.
FILE PHOTO: A lone woman, wearing a protective face mask, walks across an unusually quiet city centre bridge on the first day of a lockdown as the state of Victoria looks to curb the spread of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Melbourne, Australia, July 16, 2021. REUTERS/Sandra Sanders/File Photo
Covid lockdowns
However, Capp acknowledged the challenging periods she faced, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which significantly impacted the city’s vibrancy and economy. Despite the difficulties, she expressed optimism about Melbourne’s recovery trajectory.
With Capp’s departure, Deputy Mayor Nicholas Reece is poised to assume the role until the October elections, although his candidacy remains unconfirmed.
Reece’s leadership aspirations and plans for the future are yet to be disclosed.
Meanwhile, former federal senator and media personality Derryn Hinch recently announced his withdrawal from the lord mayoral race, citing health concerns and financial constraints.
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
“The Eastman Dilemma: Lawfare or Justice” had its world premiere at The Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida.
The new documentary explores the controversial legal challenges faced by John Eastman, a prominent constitutional scholar and former adviser to President Donald Trump.
The Madison Media Fund released the film, which delves into claims that Eastman and other conservative attorneys have been unfairly targeted for their legal representation of Trump following the 2020 presidential election.
Thee film raises broader questions about free speech and the ability of attorneys to represent politically divisive clients without facing personal or professional retribution.
President-elect Trump along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio attended the film’s premiere with other dignitaries, guests, and members of the media.
The film’s release comes amid ongoing national debates over judicial impartiality and the balance between legal representation and political activism.
The message of “The Eastman Dilemma” seeks to spark a national conversation about fairness in the legal system and the rights of attorneys to provide counsel without fear of career-ending consequences.
Several high-profile attendees discussed on the red carpet the main themes surrounding the documentary and Trump’s second term in office including Eastman, Peter Navarro, Gen. Michael Flynn, David Freiheit, Kevin and Sam Sorbo, Michael Harris, Philip Nicozisis, and Gabriela Berrospi.
New film questions the fairness of the Justice System in politically charged cases
A newly released documentary, “The Eastman Dilemma: Lawfare or Justice,” delves into the controversial legal battles surrounding John Eastman, a constitutional scholar and former adviser to President Donald Trump.
The film produced by the Madison Media Fund and released in early 2025, examines claims that Eastman and other conservative attorneys faced disproportionate professional repercussions for their legal defense of Trump following the 2020 presidential election.
Eastman, a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute, has maintained his stance that his legal counsel was constitutionally justified, despite widespread criticism and professional consequences.
His involvement in the aftermath of the 2020 election, including disputes over electoral certifications, made him a target in high-profile investigations.
Florida’s Attorney General to replace Marco Rubio following his expected confirmation as Secretary of State
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday his decision to appoint state Attorney General Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate, pending Senator Marco Rubio’s expected confirmation as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of State. Rubio, a two-term senator, is widely anticipated to step down after Trump’s inauguration, making way for Moody’s appointment.
Moody, who has served as Florida’s attorney general since 2019, has been a key political ally of DeSantis, often collaborating on high-profile legal challenges and conservative policy initiatives.
Her alignment with DeSantis on issues such as law enforcement support, immigration enforcement, and state autonomy has solidified her as a prominent figure in Florida’s political landscape.
DeSantis praised Moody’s qualifications and commitment to public service, stating she would bring a “principled, conservative voice” to Washington, D.C. Moody’s appointment would mark a continuation of the state’s GOP leadership in the Senate, reinforcing the Republican majority ahead of Trump’s administration taking office.
Rubio’s departure comes as Trump assembles a Cabinet filled with loyalists and prominent conservatives. His selection as Secretary of State underscores Trump’s focus on experienced political figures in key diplomatic roles.
Moody’s appointment to the Senate, if confirmed, would likely shape legislative debates on issues ranging from judicial reform to national security.