Melbourne Lord Mayor steps down over allegations

Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has announced he will step down temporarily following a series of unspecified allegations made against him.

Cr Doyle said the specifics of the claims had not been provided to him, however he welcomed an investigation.

It comes as councillor Tessa Sullivan resigned on Friday after alleging ‘repeated sexual harassment’ against herself and others had made the workplace ‘intolerable’. 

In a statement, Cr Doyle said that he had been informed Sunday morning of the allegations levelled against him, calling them ‘thoroughly abhorrent’. 

‘I am shocked. I have not been officially informed of the specifics but find the allegations detailed to me by media outlets thoroughly abhorrent,’ the statement read.

‘Not only as Lord Mayor but as a father of young women, a husband, a brother, and as the head of an office made up entirely of women. 

‘I am frustrated that I have not been formally provided the specific allegations which have been strategically released to media which is a denial of natural justice and clearly damaging to my reputation.

‘This is an incredibly distressing time for me and my family.’

It comes as councillor Tessa Sullivan resigned on Friday after alleging ‘repeated sexual harassment’ against herself and others had made the workplace ‘intolerable’

Cr Doyle revealed he would be taking leave for a month while the investigation takes place but stressed it did not constitute admission.

‘I have decided to take leave for one month while the investigation takes place and am being legally represented in this matter,’ his statement said.

‘My decision to take leave must not be interpreted as any concession or admission.

‘What is important now is that proper process be allowed to take place and that the rights of all involved are respectfully handled.