David Brown is Labor’s pick to run for Lord Mayor in Wollongong

On Saturday rank and file party members picked Cr Brown as Labor’s Lord Mayor candidate for the city.

He beat out fellow councillor Ann Martin by 136 to 58 votes, for the top job.

Things got even worse for Cr Martin, who could only secure third spot on the Ward 3 ticket. The returning Vicky King topped the south ward ahead of Cr Chris Connor. 

Cr Martin was far from happy to miss out on both the Lord Mayor pick and securing ‘’only’’ number three position in Ward 3.

‘’To say I’m devastated is an understatement,’’ she said.

‘’Number 3 position is traditionally unwinnable.

‘’However I’m a fighter and I am actually not going to give up and I will be campaigning for a strong Labor team.

‘’All is not lost though. I’m infamous for never giving up and with the help of my supporters I will keep on fighting.

‘’I spent the night weeping but I’m laughing now, so that’s a good sign.’’

Cr Brown was also laughing after also retaining top spot in Ward 2.

Tania Brown (no relation) was second, with Alexandra Costello and Daniel White filling out the ticket.

Cr Janice Kershaw topped Ward 1 from Jenelle Rimmer.

Cr Brown said the remaining ward positions will be confirmed by the end of the week.

‘’I’m more than pleased to have the honor and responsibility of being the standard bearer for my party in this election,’’ he said.

‘’I’m hoping my experience can hold me in good stead but also during the course of the campaign unveil a range of positive policies for the city.’’

All sitting Labor councillors will be on the team for this sitting election, with the only difference being the order in Ward 3.

‘’Whilst Ann is number three on the ticket down there I think we are a chance of winning three of the four spots in that southern ward,’’ he said.