Preet Singh Resigns As Mayor

One of the biggest scandals in Wyndham’s history has come to a close as embattled councillor Preet Singh has resigned as mayor.

In a video address on the morning of Tuesday 21 July, Cr Singh announced the decision which follows months of public outrage, protests and political turmoil.

The saga began on 30 March when it was revealed that in April 2024— prior to his election to council— he had submitted a character reference for Kashyap Patel, a convicted paedophile.

Patel later appeared before the County Court in August 2024 on child sex offence charges. He pleaded guilty to grooming a child under 16, transmitting indecent communication to a person under 16, and sexually assaulting a child under 16.

In September 2024, he was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment and a two-year community corrections order.

In the aftermath of the revelations, all 10 of his then-fellow councillor colleagues unanimously called for his resignation and five community protests were held calling for him to stand down.

Several Month Stand-off Over

Due to the circumstances surrounding Cr Singh’s refusal to resign, Dr Jennie Barrera resigned as a councillor, triggering the upcoming Heathdale by-election.

The state government has also installed two municipal monitors at Wyndham and put forth legal changes to allow councillors to remove a mayor from power.

“I have never sought to minimise the seriousness of the crime, and suggestions that I did are simply untrue,” Cr Singh said.

“Was it poor judgement? Absolutely. But whether poor judgement should result in months of relentless abuse, intimidation, threats and harassment directed not only at me, but also at my family, is something I will leave for others to reflect upon.”

Cr Singh also took a shot at local MPs and Victorian ministers regarding their treatment of a separate character reference scandal.

“More recently, it has been reported that Victoria’s Minister for Youth and Carers provided dozens of character references (33 to be exact), including for individuals convicted of serious offences, while retaining the support of the Premier and continuing in her ministerial role.”

Singh Will Remain on Council 

Luba Grigorovitch was subject to public furore in June when it emerged she had written 33 character references, including one for a taxi driver who assaulted women, and men accused of family violence.

“The MPs who were quite vocal about my situation were notably silent about their own colleague. No protest was launched, no prolonged campaigns were launched. No sustained public calls for resignation dominated the news cycle.”

He also said he would leave it to the court of public opinion whether he was treated the same as other embattled politicians.

While many have called for him to quit council altogether, he confirmed he will stay on.

“While I am stepping down as mayor, I am not stepping away from public service. I will continue to serve the people of Bemin Ward and work constructively with my fellow councillors.”

“The best of Wyndham is still ahead of us.”

A special council meeting will be held at 5pm on Thursday 23 July to elect a new mayor, marking the fourth mayoral election since November 2025.