Councillor on standby if Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas ‘unavailable’ to perform duties because of State election

The City of Perth’s move to empower a third councillor to perform the functions of mayor has revived Labor’s calls for Basil Zempilas to resign ahead of the State election in March. A recommendation will be considered next week for Cr Catherine Lezer to be appointed in case the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor are “unavailable, unable, or unwilling” to perform mayoral duties. Basil Zempilas has previously indicated he will remain mayor until writs are issued for the 2025 state election, when he is contesting the seat of Churchlands as the Liberal candidate. Premier Roger Cook weighed in on Tuesday, urging Mr Zempilas to resign from Council sooner than later. “This is entirely a matter for the City of Perth, but it really is a shemozzle and should be sorted,” he said. Mr Zempilas was contacted for comment.