BALLARAT West MP Sharon Knight says she will no longer meet with mayor Joshua Morris to discuss the Labor Party's plans for the future of the city.
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The move follows the announcement on Monday night that Cr Morris would stand as a Liberal Party candidate for an upper house seat in Western Victoria.
Ms Knight on Tuesday morning sent Cr Morris a letter accusing him of having a conflict of interest. The letter is reprinted below in full.
Dear Cr Morris,
I write regarding the recent revelation that you have received endorsement from the Victorian Division of the Liberal Party to contest the upper house region of Western Victoria.
As a consequence of your endorsement at the upcoming Victorian election, I am no longer willing to meet with you about the Labor Party's plans and proposals for the upcoming election.
I feel bound to take this regrettable action as I believe there is a conflict between your role contesting the Victorian election and the important leadership role as mayor of our city.
It is critical that all residents of Ballarat have confidence that the City of Ballarat's leaders are acting in the interest of the city and not pursuing a personal political agenda.
Yours sincerely,
Sharon Knight MP
Member for Ballarat West
26 August 2014
Cr Morris is expected to speak to The Courier about his jump to state politics on Tuesday afternoon.