Statement from Frankston City Council Acting CEO Kim Jaensch

Published on 17 January 2024

Frankston City Council is announcing several changes to Council, including Deputy Mayor Cr Liam Hughes temporarily performing the role of Mayor and Glenn Aitken returning as a Councillor.

As many in the community will be aware, the sad passing of the late Peta Murphy MP has resulted in an upcoming by-election for the Federal seat of Dunkley, which encompasses the Frankston municipality.

Following pre-selection over the weekend, current Frankston City Mayor Nathan Conroy has taken leave from Council to contest the seat for the duration of the by-election campaign period. 

Mayor Conroy ceased his allowance from Council on Sunday 14 January, and his leave took effect from 5pm Tuesday, 16 January, following the conclusion of Council’s governance and transition processes. Mr Conroy will not be using council resources during the by-election campaign period. Deputy Mayor Cr Liam Hughes will perform the role of the Mayor during this time.

In addition, local resident Glenn Aitken will return as a North-West Ward Frankston City Councillor for 2024. Following the resignation of former Councillor Steven Hughes, a countback was held by the Victorian Electoral Commission on 15 January 2024 with Glenn announced as the successful candidate. It is expected that he will be sworn in as a Councillor on Friday, 19 January. Glenn has a long history as a Frankston City Councillor and has served a total of 16 years, including Mayor for 2006/07 and Deputy Mayor for 2014/15.