And, then there were three.

City of Newcastle’s (CN) longest-serving councillor Declan Clausen will nominate for pre-selection to be Labor’s candidate for Lord Mayor.

He joins Greens’ Charlotte McCabe and recently-announced Independent Gavin Morris in the race, triggered by Ross Kerridge’s sudden resignation almost a week ago to focus on his health.

Liberals’ Callum Pull remains undecided at this stage.

But, a by-election is expected to take place mid-April.

Cr Clausen believes the upcoming ballot will shape Newcastle’s future during a period of growth and change.

“This by-election is about the kind of city we want to be,” he said.

“Newcastle is growing and changing.

“That growth must work for working people, for families under cost-of-living pressure, and for young people trying to build a future here.

“A fairer Newcastle means a city where people can afford to live, where suburbs are properly invested in, where services are accessible, and where decisions are made transparently and responsibly.

“I’m proud to have the support of my Labor colleagues at CN and many members from across our movement.”

Cr Clausen has served on council for 11 years, including seven as Deputy Lord Mayor, a depth of experience unmatched by any other contender.

“Experience matters in this role,” he said.

“The Lord Mayor leads a large and complex organisation, manages a multi-billion-dollar balance sheet, and must be able to work constructively with councillors across the chamber to deliver real outcomes from day one.

“The Lord Mayor cannot govern alone.

“Delivering real outcomes requires collaboration, relationships and trust.

“I have spent 11 years building those relationships and delivering outcomes… and I am ready to lead from day one.

“Newcastle is the northern powerhouse of NSW, the nation’s seventh largest city, and home to a $22.7 billion regional economy.

“Leading a city of this scale and complexity requires proven experience, sound judgement, and a demonstrated ability to deliver.

“I’ve spent more than a decade delivering practical results, including the $2 pool entry trial, expanding footpath investment, delivering renewable energy projects like the Summerhill Solar Farm and improving parks and community facilities across our city.”

Cr Clausen explained his attention would be on practical outcomes, which improve everyday life for Novocastrians.

“My priorities are keeping Newcastle affordable, investing in our suburbs, strengthening governance, communications and restoring trust, and planning responsibly for our city’s future,” he said.

BACKGROUND

Cr Clausen has served on City of Newcastle for 11 years, including seven as Deputy Lord Mayor, making him the longest-serving Deputy Lord Mayor in council’s history. 

During his four terms, he’s led and championed major initiatives including the $2 pool entry trial, the Summerhill Solar Farm, the North Lambton Dog Park and the establishment of CN’s Future Fund.

He grew up in Wallsend, attended Lambton High School, and now lives with his partner Steven in Lambton.

If elected, he would become the Newcastle’s first openly gay Lord Mayor.

Outside council, Cr Clausen began his professional career as a cadet engineer at Hunter Water and is now a senior manager working on strategy, community engagement, and long-term planning.

He holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Newcastle, a Masters from the University of Oxford (UK) in sustainable development and economics, and postgraduate qualifications in accounting.

Prior to his election to council, he was NSW Convenor of the Labor Environment Action Network.

For more news stories:

• Gavin Morris enters Newcastle Lord Mayor’s race
• Greens’ McCabe throws hat into the ring for Lord Mayor’s role
• Ross Kerridge resigns as Newcastle Lord Mayor

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