Clover rumoured to be announcing reshuffle

Speculation is mounting Robert Kok will be the lone City of Sydney Councillor on Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP’s ticket at September’s Council elections. In what represents a seismic change in Council, it is anticipated Ms Moore will announce a revamped team on Friday night as her campaign for reelection begins in earnest.

City of Sydney Councillors John McInerney and Di Tornai both confirmed they would be retiring after the elections. Mr McInerney indicated fellow Councillor Phillip Black is on the outer with Ms Moore. He said: “Phillip Black has been rudely ousted. I think he’s been disgracefully treated as a loyal servant of the City of Sydney.” Mr Black was allegedly told he does not align himself with “our values.” He is understood to be angry at the decision.

Ms Moore and Mr Black have had an acrimonious relationship while in Council. Mr Black allegedly threatened to withdraw his support for Ms Moore if Marcelle Hoff maintained her post as Deputy Lord Mayor.

Mr McInerney also commented on fractured dealings with Ms Moore in his time in Council. “We have had disagreements over many issues,” he said. “In the end, we have basically decided to agree to disagree.” Ms Tornai said she is looking forward to retirement and will move to France. She has plans to live her post-Council life in a villa north of Toulouse.

The campaign ticket announcement is believed to be impending at a campaign fundraiser on Friday night. Ms Moore used a similar tactic prior to the 2008 City of Sydney elections, announcing her campaign ticket at a fundraiser before easily winning reelection.

Several Councillors are understood to be disgruntled about Ms Moore’s impending reshuffle.

Liberal Councillor Shayne Mallard and Greens member Chris Harris have already announced they will move on in September. Irene Doutney will be the Greens candidate, while Angela Vithoulkas will represent Living Sydney. Ms Moore was not available for comment before deadline.