He’s barely standing
Bayldon-Lumsden has restricted presence on hustings
Councillor Ryan BayldonLumsden, who has been charged with murder, is under strict conditions on how he campaigns in the March poll as he faces the toughest citywide contest, it can be revealed.
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden, who is defending the charge, cannot portray himself as a sitting councillor, which explains why all his corflutes and roadside signage do not carry the “councillor” tag.
The Bulletin asked the state government what restrictions are being placed on the suspended councillor after residents on community social media pages commented that his campaign was limited to “roadside waves”.
He was absent for the ballot draw on Wednesday when all his rivals – Joe Wilkinson, Jenna Schroeder, Joel McInnes, Edward Sarroff and Bruce
Byatt – posed for a photograph.
The candidates have questioned Mr Bayldon-Lumsden’s position on the ballot, claiming he may not be able to represent Arundel-ParkwoodLabrador division if he wins.
A government spokesperson confirmed Mr BayldonLumsden was suspended from his Division role until April 30 – or when the poll could be called.
If he is elected, Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon will need to “consider the public interest factors involved in this matter” and decide whether to exercise intervention powers.
“During the period of suspension, Councillor BayldonLumsden remains a councillor but is not able to carry out his councillor duties,” the government spokesman said.
“This includes holding himself out to be a councillor, for example, he is not able to post on social media as the councillor for Division 7.
“He is able to attend community events and undertake campaign activities, as long as he does not identify himself as a councillor or breach any conditions of his bail. The conditions of his bail are a matter for the court.”
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden has been charged with the murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden, 58, at their Arundel home on August 23 last year, after an alleged altercation with his mother’s long-term partner.
His lawyer Jason Murakami, of Behlau Murakami Grant, has lodged a plea of not guilty to the murder charge. The councillor was then subsequently suspended on full pay.