Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle has resigned seven weeks after allegations of sexual harassment were made against him.
Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle speaks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 CEO Summit. Photo: AFP / RITCHIE B. TONGO
Two fellow councillors made the accusations late last year, and a draft copy of a report into the claims was presented to Mr Doyle last week.
Mr Doyle has denied the allegations.
In a statement, his lawyer Nick Ruskin said Mr Doyle felt he has been denied the principles of fair justice during the City of Melbourne investigation.
"Following allegations seven weeks ago, he [Mr Doyle] has been through a period which he feels has lacked a semblance of natural justice, where the burden of proof does not rest with proving guilt, but rather proving innocence," Mr Ruskin said.
On Friday, it was announced the investigation into the allegations against Mr Doyle would be delayed as he grappled with serious health issues.
Mr Ruskin said Mr Doyle had since been admitted to hospital "to begin his recovery".
Mr Doyle's wife, Emma Page Campbell, said the allegations have brought her husband to "the brink of being broken".
A City of Melbourne spokesperson said it had been informed of Mr Doyle's resignation late Sunday evening.
"The City of Melbourne understands, via the Lord Mayor's lawyers, that the formalities of his resignation will shortly be completed and we are now operating on that basis," the spokesperson said.
The city council said the investigation into the allegations would continue.
- ABC
