Robert Doyle quits: Melbourne Lord Mayor resigns
Robert Doyle has resigned as Lord Mayor of Melbourne.
Confirmation that he has quit on Sunday night came two days before Melbourne council is due to consider a report into allegations of improper conduct made by former councillor Tessa Sullivan.
Mr Doyle has been on leave since December 17, when Cr Sullivan made claims of sexual harassment.
He has maintained his innocence since and continues to do so.
In a statement, his lawyer said Mr Doyle was hospitalised on Saturday.
As first reported by Neil Mitchell on 3AW last month, Doyle has been “violently ill” since the allegations were made.
“He is violently ill most days … he’s crying at times and is anxious and paranoid,” Neil Mitchell said.
“He also believes that he’s refuted the most serious claims – he believes the worst he has done has been a tactile person and perhaps too relaxed in his conversations.
“I’m told he strongly denies anything sexual or with any sexual intent.”
Despite his resignation, Mr Doyle maintains his innocence.
He has also relinquished his role as Melbourne Health chairman.
Among four women to have made allegations against Mr Doyle is the wife of a Royal Melbourne Hospital specialist doctor
Health Minister Jill Hennessy ordered a second investigation in light of those claims, which Mr Doyle also disputes.
- Neil Mitchell, Jan 22: ‘I was there’
- 3AW, Dec 18: Doyle allegations: Colleague lauds ‘brave’ councillor