Change of the guard in western Sydney councils
Posted
Labor has lost control of the mayoralty at Penrith, Parramatta and Campbelltown this week as councils met for the first time since the local government elections.
Labor's patchy local election performance has changed the complexion of council chambers across Sydney.
The Liberals' Tony Issa will wear the mayoral chains in Parramatta, while independent Jim Aitken has become the Mayor of Penrith with conservative support.
In Auburn, resident activist Irene Sims has been unanimously endorsed to lead the council.
Labor's Greg Cummings has the top job nearby in Holroyd.
The ALP has retained control of Blacktown but chosen a new Mayor, Charlie Lowles.
In the south-west, a power-sharing arrangement has propelled independent Russel Matheson into the Campbelltown mayoralty.
Chris Patterson continues as Mayor in Camden.
Popularly elected Labor mayors were returned in Liverpool, Bankstown and Fairfield.
Baulkham Hills will decide on its new Mayor tonight.
