In short:
Wyndham City Council has failed to elect a Mayor after a tied vote between two councillors. A new meeting has been scheduled for 23 March to resolve the deadlock.
Leadership Vote Stalls After Repeated Tie
Wyndham City Council remains without a confirmed Mayor after tonight’s highly anticipated vote ended in a deadlock, underscoring the deep divisions within the chamber.
Cr. Szatkowski nominated Cr. Peter Maynard for the role, seconded by Cr. Hill, while Cr. McGuire nominated Cr. Preet Singh, seconded by Cr. Shaw.
The vote resulted in a 5–5 split, leaving councillors without the absolute majority required to appoint a Mayor.
In an attempt to break the impasse, the meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes, with councillors instructed to leave the chamber and consider their positions. When the meeting resumed at 6.16pm, the vote was repeated — but the outcome remained unchanged, again failing to produce a majority.
The result leaves Wyndham in a rare and politically significant position, with no clear leadership outcome despite mounting pressure to restore stability following the recent suspension of the former Mayor.
What had already been a contentious and closely watched mayoral race has now evolved into a clear demonstration of a divided council, with neither bloc able to assert control.
With no resolution reached, Acting Mayor Preet Singh assumed the chair to guide proceedings on the next steps. Councillors have now resolved to reconvene and attempt another vote, scheduled for Monday 23 March at 6pm.
The extended timeline raises further questions about governance and cohesion within council, as the municipality continues to operate without a formally elected Mayor during a period of heightened public scrutiny.
The next meeting now carries added weight, not only as a procedural requirement but as a critical test of whether councillors can break the deadlock and establish a unified leadership direction.
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