The Mayor, who was eyeing off a seat in the NSW Legislative Council earlier this year, withdrew as the Labor candidate despite being cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation into allegations concerning himself, Canterbury Bankstown Council staff and its processes, and criticism over work trip expenses.
Mayor Asfour said “it wasn’t an easy decision” to relinquish the leadership, because of his love for the City, but it would enable him to pursue business and other interests.
COUNCILLOR Bilal El-Hayek is expected to take up Canterbury Bankstown’s top job, after Mayor Khal Asfour resigned this week.
Labor Caucus was expected to meet last night and elect Cr El-Hayek as their candidate, with council holding an Extraordinary Meeting on Thursday to vote for a new Mayor.
Cr El-Hayek said he would be honoured if “elected as mayor of this great city”, while deputy mayor Clare Raffan said it was unlikely she would be contesting the position during this term.
Mayor Asfour said he always thought he would be in the top job for about 10 years … “but circumstances like council amalgamations and Covid prolonged my stay as the community needed strong leadership during uncertain times”.
“I was entrusted to be their voice and to speak out … and they appreciated it,” he said.
“I would like to thank the community for the trust they bestowed on me to lead them and the council over so many years.
“We’ve stuck together through many highs and a few lows.”
Mayor Asfour was first elected as Councillor of the former Bankstown City Council in 2004 and held the role of Deputy Mayor from 2008-11. He also served as Mayor from 2011-14 and again in 2015.
In 2017, he was elected as the inaugural Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown.
He will remain a Councillor representing the Bankstown (Darani) Ward.
“I will continue to serve this great City as a Councillor and intend to advocate on important issues when necessary,” he said.
Mayor Asfour said he was proud of the achievements he fought for, including building the new Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre, construction of the new Western Sydney University in Bankstown, championing Smart City technology, investing in infrastructure like accessible playgrounds and upgrading town centres.
