Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp will step down before the end of her second term, stepping aside at the end of June ahead of an October election.
“It is with mixed feelings that I announce that I will not contest the next local government elections,” she said in a statement on Thursday morning.
“I love this job – it’s an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Melbourne.”
The city was in “dire need of leadership when I was elected”, with “a culture of unacceptable behavior from councilors and delays on major projects”, Ms Capp said.
Her decision to quit comes just six months after Victoria Premier Dan Andrews made a similar decision to quit ahead of the upcoming state election.
She pointed to a Queen Victoria Market renewal project, temporary housing for the homeless and battery storage programs as key achievements.
Appearing on ABC’s News Breakfast on Thursday morning, Ms Capp said: ‘Since all my 50s have been in the town hall so far, it’s time for me to move on.’
“I encourage everyone to get involved in public office. It’s a great way to get involved,” she said.
Mrs. Capp enjoyed the citizenship ceremonies the most.
“We are the biggest and I think the best city in Australia,” she said.
The “shocks” of the Covid-19 pandemic were still being felt as weekday “rhythms” in the city had still not returned to pre-pandemic levels, she said.
Combating “unfair” comments had only strengthened her resolve, Ms Capp said in response to a question about sexist remarks.
Ms. Capp then ruled out state or federal politics.