Wyndham’s mayor Preet Singh has temporarily stood down after community uproar that he provided a character reference for a man convicted of child sex offences.
It comes only a week after Singh was appointed to the role.
Singh formally stood aside last night after all 10 members of council signed a latter demanding his resignation.
He says he was sorry for providing the reference.
“The character reference I provided was given prior to my election, I recognise that, regardless of timing, this has raised legitimate questions about judgment. For that, I am deeply sorry,” he said in a social media post.
“I sincerely apologise for any hurt or harm caused, particularly to the victim and those in our community impacted by this issue.”
Jasmine Hill – who will take the role as mayor on an interim basis – said the behaviour was unacceptable.
“It is not acceptable in any form,” she said.
“He is no longer fit to hold the position.”
It has subsequenlty been revealed that the offender Singh provided a reference for was the same person that Dinesh Gourisetty wrote a reference for, a move that has seen him withdraw from the state Liberal party’s election ticket after being pre-selected over Moira Deeming.
A large protest was held last night in Wyndham against Singh remaining in the role.
