Labor’s City of Parramatta candidates are painting the town red ahead of this December’s Local Government Election, now as the only major party in the race.
Despite being Sydney’s second city, the Liberal Party has barred its members from running in the election under the Liberal brand, forcing candidates to instead nominate as independents.
The bold decision comes after the State Executive voted against holding a Local Government Conference in Parramatta, removing members’ ability to pre-select candidates, and instead putting the power of endorsement in its own hands.
Despite this, the State Executive chose not to endorse any sitting Liberal Councillors.
With less than three weeks until locals hit the polls, Labor candidates are ramping up their campaign, erecting signs and distributing pamphlets to spread their message.
In the Parramatta Ward, sitting Councillor Sameer Pandey will recontest alongside running mates James Shaw and Elizabeth Scully.
Councillor Donna Davis will also recontest in the Epping Ward, accompanied by Cameron Maclean and Tony Lee.
Rosehill Ward’s sitting Councillor Patricia Prociv will run alongside Paul Noack and Sinead Simpkins.
Sitting Dundas Councillor Pierre Esber will run with Anthony Ellard and Sam Daher, and in North Rocks, Ange Humphries is first on ticket, running with Alan Mascarenhas and Nick Nikolaidis.
Parra News understands Councillor Donna Davis and Pierre Esber are the party’s top picks for Mayoral bids.
Cr Davis said she feels this election is a unique opportunity for the Labor Party, and said the candidates will campaign hard to increase their representation in Council.
“The Liberal Councillors by and large have promoted and supported the agendas of the State and Federal Governments and that will no longer be present,” she said.
“It will become a better reflection and truer perspective of the community.
“Our team is full of familiar faces who have a strong record of fighting for our city and suburbs.
“We want to ensure we deliver to the different needs of the different parts of the city and we have a strong team of local candidates that understand those individual needs.”
Cr Pandey said Labor will focus on building on the work done so far to ensure Parramatta is a livable, sustainable and inclusive city.
“We have achieved a lot and are keen to keep making a difference for Parramatta,” he said.
The Local Government Election will be held on December 4. Postal vote applications are now open.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.