Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:02 pm GMT
As voters prepare for local government elections this weekend, the Northern Beaches Council faces an unusual situation: Mandeep Singh, a cafe owner and first-time candidate, is the only Liberal running, largely due to a significant nomination blunder by the party. This unprecedented circumstance raises questions about the future of the council and the impact on local governance.
Election Landscape for Northern Beaches Council
The Northern Beaches Council has been notably influenced by the Liberals’ mismanagement of candidate nominations. Currently, the council consists of six Liberal members, while the remaining seats are held by five members of the Your Northern Beaches Independent Team, two from the Greens, one representative from the Good for Manly group, and one independent councillor. The absence of a robust Liberal ticket this election raises concerns about voter alignment and party representation.
In the lead-up to the elections, the Sydney Morning Herald reached out to all 42 candidates aiming for a position on the Northern Beaches Council. Out of those, 36 candidates provided responses outlining their motivations for running and their plans if elected. The questions focused on key policy issues they would encounter in office and their perspectives on the adequacy of current council services.
Mandeep Singh: The Accidental Candidate
Mandeep Singh, who operates various cafes across the Northern Beaches, has become a focal point of this election. Initially expected to run alongside his party colleagues on a unified Liberal ticket, Singh’s solo candidacy emerged after he inadvertently submitted his nomination form. The Liberal Party itself failed to meet the nomination deadline, which has left Singh as the sole representative of the party for this council election.
Despite the mix-up, Singh’s connection to the Liberal Party remains strong. At a recent pre-polling event, he was seen wearing a Liberal T-shirt and hailed as “the Liberal Party member for Pittwater ward.” Singh believes that his status as a local businessman rather than a traditional politician will resonate with voters. “The northern beaches has been my home for 25 years, and I am really about supporting local businesses because I am not a politician, I am a businessman,” Singh stated.
Support and Challenges Ahead
Singh’s campaign has garnered support from Young Liberals and other party members who have helped boost his visibility. He emphasizes the importance of advocating for local businesses and engaging with the community. However, because of the nomination error, Singh will not have the Liberal name displayed alongside his on the ballot, posing a potential challenge in distinguishing himself from other independent candidates.
Moreover, the Liberal Party’s blunder has paved the way for discussions on governance and the implications of having ungrouped candidates in local elections. Singh has acknowledged this unique situation, pointing out that transparency in politics is critical. He reassured voters of his affiliation with the Liberal Party, stating, “I believe in the values of the Liberal Party and, if elected, I will bring a Liberal approach to the role of councillor.”
The Impact of the Liberal Party’s Nomination Error
The Liberal Party’s failure to submit timely nominations has broader implications beyond Singh’s candidacy. Among those affected are sitting councillor Michael Gencher and Deputy Mayor Georgia Ryburn, both of whom expected to secure their positions on the Liberal ticket. Gencher is currently seeking preselection for the state seat of Pittwater, which recently became available after the previous MP resigned following legal issues, while Ryburn’s party membership face challenges due to an administrative error.
Byelections on the Horizon
The Northern Beaches is not the only region facing uncertainties. The local government elections coincide with three upcoming byelections the Liberals must navigate in the coming weeks. One of those byelections is specifically for the seat of Pittwater, which holds significant importance for the party, especially after the controversies that have unfolded within the local governance structure.
The byelection for this seat is set to take place on October 19, creating additional pressure on the candidates and the Liberal Party to present a cohesive platform amidst the turmoil. The outcome may influence the broader dynamics within the party and its governance strategies moving forward.
Candidate Insights and Key Issues
The responses from the various candidates who participated in the Sydney Morning Herald’s inquiry offered insights into their views on pressing issues. Many highlighted the need for improved council services, transparency in governance, and effective community engagement as foundational pillars of their platforms. The challenge will be to effectively communicate their plans and differentiate themselves in a competitive electoral landscape, especially as many voters may remain unaware of Singh’s Liberal affiliation due to the ballot circumstances.
Voters interested in learning more about their options and polling locations can find relevant information on the NSW Electoral Commission’s website, which provides resources to assist with the electoral process.
As the election day gets closer, people are paying more attention to how changes will affect the Northern Beaches Council and what matters most to voters. With just a week left, each candidate needs a good plan to deal with surprises and the changing political scene.
