Failing to gain enough support from the Byron Greens membership at their May 2020 preselection vote, Cr Michael Lyon says he will now continue as an independent councillor.
Cr Lyon was elected in 2016 on the Greens ticket along with Mayor Simon Richardson, Crs Sarah Ndiaye and Jeannette Martin.
Yet the preselection vote for the 2021 Council election saw members reject the direction that outgoing mayor Richardson was taking the party, and instead endorsed former councillor Duncan Dey as preferred mayor. Cr Ndiaye and newcomers are also on the ticket.
Cr Lyon told The Echo, ‘My membership runs out at the end of the month. I am not renewing because I intend to run as an independent at the next election, having failed to secure preselection with the Byron Greens.
‘I committed to a four year term on Council as a Green and have given four years. Due to COVID our term has been extended by a year and I will spend that year as an independent on Council. My values are still aligned with the four pillars of the Greens, and my approach to decision-making, consultation with our community and collaboration with my colleagues on Council will remain unchanged’.
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Why an independent Michael?
Your politics and record clearly shows you should be with the Nationals
I mean there is good reason why the Greens voted you down the ticket
Can’t get a guernsey with his own mob, now expects us to accept him as an Independent.
Career politician.
You have nailed your colours to the mast Michael, with your championing of the Byron eco-destroying by-pass and other unpopular decisions.
Times up, move on, go join the Nationals…
Michael you are a Progressive Green and unfortunately ,most Greens are still stuck on,no no no ! We are in 2020 folks not 1980 ! Byron Shire now has nearly 25 000 residents and 1 million visitors ! Shall we go back to the Pothole roads of past councils ?