Donna Davis has announced she will resign as City of Parramatta’s Lord Mayor as of Monday, May 22.
In an official statement, the City of Parramatta revealed Davis would step down as Lord Mayor having completed a short transition period with new CEO Gail Connolly and to focus on her new role as State Member for Parramatta.
“Councillor Davis will continue in her role as a Councillor of the City of Parramatta until the next local government elections in September 2024,” the statement said.
“The election of a new Lord Mayor will be determined at an Extraordinary Meeting of Council at 5.30pm on Monday, May 22, prior to Council’s Ordinary meeting.
“The business and operations of Council will continue as normal, as we deliver the services, projects, and initiatives our community needs.”
Davis has faced growing pressure to resign as Lord Mayor since being elected as State Member for Parramatta in March, with many Councillors voicing their concerns that she wouldn’t be able to commit 100 per cent to both full time roles.
A recent Council meeting also saw a motion be put forward calling for Davis to resign as Lord Mayor, which ultimately failed to gain the support of the Chamber.
The news comes as Davis gets ready to officially be sworn into the NSW Parliament as the Member for Parramatta tomorrow (Tuesday, May 9).
Davis wished the next Lord Mayor, whoever that may be, the very best:
“I wish to thank all Councillors and the Council staff for their support during my term as Lord Mayor and I wish the next Lord Mayor all the very best for a successful term in office,” she said.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.