THE Derwent Valley Council will have its first female acting mayor, with Jessica Cosgrove tonight announcing that she would be standing in for mayor Ben Shaw for the next month. Posting on Facebook, Cr Cosgrove said Cr Shaw had been granted a leave of absence until May 3.
As the endorsed Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Derwent in the May 1 Legislative Council election, Cr Shaw had previously rebuffed suggestions that he take leave while campaigning for parliament. It is believed his application for leave was considered during a special closed council meeting earlier tonight.
Cr Cosgrove said she was excited about the opportunity to serve as the Derwent Valley’s acting mayor. It is believed this is the first time the council has had a female leader.
One Comment
As Mayor Ben Shaw’s position is with local government, I presume his 1 month’s leave to campaign for a state government position means that his 1 month’s leave will be without pay.
No one would expect the ratepayers to pay for his leave to campaign for a position in state government.
Helen Willis-Smith
Molesworth