A recommendation from government delegate Mike Allen suggest’s Minister Paul Toole “seek separate legal advice and other advice about the ability to retain the Lord Mayoral status that has been granted to Wollongong City Council”.

In a submission to Mr Allen, Wollongong council staff pointed out the benefits of the title, saying it had been decreed by Queen Elizabeth in the 1970s, and marked “the importance of Wollongong as a major city of NSW”.

Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery – who remains in his position pending a court decision – said he would “not die in a ditch” over the need for continuation of the position.

“It is an honorific and few others in the country have that honour of using that title, and it adds gravitas to the role of the mayor,” he said

“It’s an old title and it also represents the esteem with which the city is held. I do respect the tradition and we shouldn’t underestimate that. But it doesn’t worry me if it continues.”