Mayor won’t stand down

HOBART Mayor Anna Reynolds is resisting calls to step down over accusations she grabbed and berated council candidate Louise Elliot at a forum.

Hobart City Council alderman Marti Zucco, a long-term political rival of Ms Reynolds, is demanding that she stand aside while an investigation takes place.

The alleged incident happened last week at a public meeting about the University of Tasmania’s plans to move into the CBD.

Mr Zucco said it was “imperative” that the Director of Local Government launch a formal investigation into the allegations.

“I do believe that for the integrity of the HCC, the Lord Mayor should immediately step aside until the issue is formally resolved,” he said.

“Unless the Lord Mayor steps aside, this matter will continue to fester, and the capital city of Tasmania being in disrepute is detrimental to its citizens.”

Ms Reynolds (inset) maintains she merely “touched” Ms Elliot’s arm to get her attention as she was walking past.

Mr Reynolds said Ms Elliot leaned in to hear what she was saying and she had not grabbed her.

She also apologised for using the word “bulls--hit”, but said there were elements of Ms Elliot’s speech she considered inaccurate and misleading.

However, Ms Elliot insists the Mayor did grab her arm and physically pulled her close to verbally accost her.

Ms Elliot, who is also one of the Mayor’s political adversaries, said she backed Mr Zucco’s calls for an investigation and for Ms Reynolds to stand aside in the interim.

“I strongly believe if the Lord Mayor was a male and had done that, the response would have been very different. I don’t like those double standards,” Ms Elliot said.

“If she had been a man, she would not be allowed to carry on business as usual.

“I think the deputy should act as Lord Mayor until it’s investigated.”

Ms Reynolds said Ms Elliot was free to submit a code of conduct complaint, as per the standard procedure for these types of allegations.

She said Ms Elliot was also welcome to meet with her and Hobart City Council chief executive Kelly Grigsby to discuss her grievances.