The mayor of a council in Melbourne’s outer west has stepped aside from his duties following revelations he provided a character reference for a convicted child sex offender.
In a statement on Facebook, Wyndham mayor Preet Singh announced he had asked the council’s deputy mayor Jasmine Hill to act in his role, while apologising for the “distress and concern” his act had caused.
Mr Singh was only elected in March.
The Herald Sun initially reported he had penned a character reference for convicted child sex offender Kashyap Patel – who pleaded guilty to charges of grooming, sexually assaulting and transmitting indecent communication to a child under 16 in 2024.
He was sentenced to nine months’ prison and a two-year community correction order in 2024.
In a joint media release on Wednesday, all other 10 councillors asked Mr Singh to resign to “restore stability to the council and the Wyndham community”.
They said they learnt about the character reference on Monday and had been working “behind the scenes” to urge Mr Singh to step down.
“We can no longer remain silent,” they said.
“The Wyndham community deserves a mayor they can feel confidence in.
“In an election year this is even more true as we ramp up our advocacy to secure funding for crucial projects.
“We firmly believe that following Monday’s revelations and the mayor’s refusal to resign, he is no longer fit to hold the Office of Mayor and will be unable to adequately perform the duties of the role.”
In his own Facebook post, Mr Singh acknowledged the courage of victim survivors.
“Child sexual abuse is abhorrent, and I unequivocally condemn it,” he said.
“I understand the distress and concern this situation has caused in the community.
“The character reference I provided was given prior to my election. I recognise that, regardless of timing, this has raised legitimate questions about judgment.
“For that, I am deeply sorry. I sincerely apologise for any hurt or harm caused, particularly to the victim and those in our community impacted by this issue.”
Mr Singh said he respected the right of community members to express their views, following a protest outside the council chambers that same day.
He explained he was reaching out to offer to meet with those leading the demonstration to “listen” and convey his “sincere sympathies directly”.
The fallout follows businessman Dinesh Gourisetty withdrawing his candidacy from the Liberal Party following revelations he too had provided a reference to Patel.
Incumbent MP Moira Deeming lost a preselection ballot on Sunday to Mr Gourisetty – eight months out from the state election.
But within hours after reports emerged of his reference provided to Patel, Mr Gourisetty resigned.
