Doyle allegations: Colleague lauds ‘brave’ councillor

The Melbourne councillor accusing Lord Mayor Robert Doyle of sexual harassment has been lauded as a “very brave woman” by a colleague on 3AW this morning.

Councillor Jackie Watts, who is currently on sick leave, said the City of Melbourne council was in shock.

“We are all shocked and (Cr Tessa Sullivan) is feeling it greatly,” she told Tony Jones on 3AW.

“It takes a very brave woman to speak up in this way and of course it puts everybody in a very difficult position.

“But I am confident that the CEO of City of Melbourne is taking this very seriously indeed.”

Click PLAY for full interview

Councillor Arron Wood has taken on the role of Melbourne’s acting Lord Mayor after Mr Doyle stepped aside while the sexual harassment allegations are investigated.

Mr Doyle confirmed he was stepping down via Twitter yesterday following questions from The Age, denying any wrongdoing.

Official statement from the Lord Mayor Robert Doyle pic.twitter.com/W5CWPmHtNg

— Robert Doyle (@LordMayorMelb) December 17, 2017

Police are not believed to be investigating the claims.

Cr Doyle has taken one month of leave as Ian Freckelton QC leads an inquiry.

It comes after Councillor Tessa Sullivan quit last Friday, due to allegations of workplace sexual harassment.

It hasn’t taken long for the story to be turned into street art.

3AW Breakfast has confirmed a Rumour File contributor who said Robert Doyle was featuring in a new piece of street art on Hosier Lane.