Newcastle’s lord mayor, Ross Kerridge, will take a temporary leave of absence to address a serious medical condition. This decision follows medical advice and will see him out of office until mid-January 2024. Kerridge, who was elected just a year ago, announced his situation in a statement released to the Newcastle Herald on Friday, expressing a need for privacy during this challenging time.
In his statement, Kerridge shared that he received a diagnosis in early October while spending time with his family. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health and acknowledged the necessity of this leave as part of his treatment plan. “As part of this treatment, I have now been advised that I should take leave from my role as lord mayor until mid-January, in order to prioritise my own health,” he stated.
Despite recent health challenges, Kerridge participated in the University of Newcastle’s 60th anniversary celebrations on the same day, where he recognized the strong relationship between the institution and the city.
Kerridge, a highly regarded medical professional with 40 years of experience, transitioned from his role as a senior specialist anaesthesiologist to become the independent lord mayor of Newcastle in September 2022. He achieved an unexpected victory over Nuatali Nelmes, the Labor candidate, marking a significant shift in the local political landscape.
According to the Local Government Act, Kerridge’s leave is officially recognized, and Charlotte McCabe, the deputy lord mayor from the Greens party, will assume the responsibilities of acting lord mayor during his absence.
Kerridge, who previously held a membership in the Labor party, left after a narrow defeat in a preselection contest against Nelmes. His subsequent victory in the lord mayoral race was bolstered by grassroots support from the community group Our Newcastle, which emerged during the 2024 council elections.
Reflecting on his first year in office, Kerridge noted the complexities of navigating local government dynamics. “One of the advantages of health is that you live in a world of trust,” he remarked, contrasting the collaborative nature of healthcare with the often contentious realm of politics.
As he steps away from his duties, Kerridge reassured the public that he would provide updates on his condition when appropriate, while requesting respect for his family’s privacy during this time.
According to the guidelines from the NSW Electoral Commission, if a popularly elected mayor resigns more than 18 months before the next ordinary election, a by-election will be called. If the resignation occurs within that time frame, a current councillor will be nominated to fill the role.
As Newcastle awaits Kerridge’s return, the community remains hopeful for his swift recovery and return to leadership.
