Dr. Ross Kerridge Announces Independent Run for Newcastle Lord Mayor

Newcastle’s upcoming Local Government Elections have taken an intriguing turn with Dr. Ross Kerridge, a Senior Staff Specialist Anaesthetist at John Hunter Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, announcing his candidacy for Lord Mayor. Dr. Kerridge, who previously sought the Labor preselection, has decided to leave the party and run as an independent, citing a lack of confidence in the current council leadership under incumbent Nuatali Nelmes.

Dr. Kerridge’s decision to quit Labor and lead the “Our Newcastle” ticket comes after losing the Labor lord mayoral preselection to Nelmes in February. His departure from the party highlights his dissatisfaction with what he describes as a “top-down” approach by the current council, which he believes focuses too heavily on “glamour projects” and neglects essential community services.

“Our city has seen scandal after scandal, embarrassment after embarrassment,” Kerridge said. “We need fresh leadership that will actually listen to the community.”

If elected, Dr. Kerridge aims to bring a renewed focus on essential services and transparency. Among his top priorities are ending the council’s “privatisation obsession,” improving financial transparency, and ensuring that basic services like footpaths and roads are prioritised over high-profile projects. Kerridge has also emphasised the need for true community consultation and collaboration among all councillors.

“I believe that the ratepayers of Newcastle are seeking change,” he said. “They want to see leadership in our council that brings the community together, not divides it.”

Nuatali Nelmes has been a prominent figure in Newcastle’s local government, serving as Lord Mayor since 2014. A member of the Labor Party, Nelmes has overseen several major projects during her tenure, including the revitalisation of Newcastle’s city centre and the construction of the Newcastle Light Rail. Despite these achievements, Nelmes’ leadership has faced criticism. Opponents, including Kerridge, argue that her administration has been marked by a series of controversies and a focus on high-cost projects at the expense of basic services.

“Some of these projects are wildly over budget,” Kerridge said. “People are hurting, and there’s talk of raising rates again above CPI.”

However, Nelmes’ supporters highlight her achievements in transforming Newcastle into a more vibrant and connected city. They point to her efforts in modernising infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainability. “Nuatali Nelmes has been instrumental in putting Newcastle on the map as a progressive and forward-thinking city,” said a spokesperson for her campaign.

Dr. Kerridge’s independent run has garnered significant attention and support from various community groups and residents. He notes that many people have urged him to run, expressing a desire for change in Newcastle’s local government. “They’re saying something has to change and you’re the person to do it,” Kerridge recounted.

As the 14 September election approaches, Newcastle voters will have a choice between Kerridge’s promise of renewed focus on essential services and Nelmes’ established track record and vision for the city’s development. Kerridge’s campaign emphasises a return to basic services, financial transparency, and genuine community engagement, positioning him as a candidate committed to addressing the concerns of Newcastle’s residents.

“I’m determined to bring honesty, integrity and transparency back to Newcastle Council,” Kerridge said. “We need councillors who will cooperate with the city’s small businesses, with community groups and ratepayers and who will passionately serve on the council without using the position as a stepping stone to become the next state or federal member.”

As Newcastle moves toward election day, the race between Kerridge and Nelmes will be closely watched, offering voters distinct visions for the future of their city.