Holroyd Council's first Liberal Party mayor, Ross Grove.
ROSS GROVE was elected as the 50th mayor of Holroyd City last night in a tie-breaker.
At 26, Mr Grove becomes the city’s youngest mayor — the city’s previous youngest mayor, Ludovic George Houston McCredie, was 28.
Born on April 17, 1883, Mr McCredie served his mayoral term from March 1, 1912 to February 28, 1914.
Mr Grove also becomes Holroyd City’s first Liberal Party mayor.
But he was very nearly pipped to the post by Dr John Brodie — the city’s new deputy — who has held the position three times during his 21 previous years as councillor.
‘‘It was a six-all draw out of a hat,’’ said Dr Brodie, who will now serve his second term as deputy mayor.
Said Mr Grove: ‘‘The draw does reflect the will of the people.’’
Asked if he considers himself as too young to be mayor, the West Ward councillor said simply: ‘‘I promise that by the end of my term I’ll be a year older’’, before adding, ‘‘It’s just part of the package people have elected’’.
Dr Brodie said ‘‘to be deputy mayor, is really really great’’.
‘‘The previous council did lots of great things but unfortunately the message never got out because it was overshadowed by the controversy that was occurring within the chamber,’’ he said.
‘‘I certainly would hope that this council focuses on what it’s there for and that is to serve the community, both as the community and as individuals.’’
Mr Brodie, a South Ward councillor and Holroyd Independent, was first elected to serve on Holroyd Council in 1987 but took a break for a term, choosing to run again ‘‘in response to numerous requests’’.
See tomorrow’s Holroyd Sun for our full interview.