AFTER eight years serving the people of Newcastle, time is up for independent councillor John Church who has announced he won't seek reelection in September.
Cr Church's decision adds to a feverish pre-election period in which a new group of independents are expected to emerge under the leadership of lord mayoral candidate Dr Ross Kerridge, who quit the Labor party earlier this month to form Our Newcastle.
The Our Newcastle team will announce candidates in all four wards closer to election day on September 14.
Cr Church urged anyone "passionate about their community" to consider running for council as an independent.
He said it was the best way to represent the "interests of the community" at the local government level and avoid "political games".
"I joined Newcastle council in 2017 and it has been an honour to serve the people of Newcastle for the past two terms," Cr Church said.
"The time is right to step aside and allow some new faces to join council and work hard for the city's bright future."
Cr Church unsuccessfully challenged Labor's Nuatali Nelmes for lord mayor at the last election and has been a vocal opposition to the Labor-controlled council.
"For too long the Labor Party has dominated this council and many decisions and actions have been driven by political interests and personal agendas, rather than what is best for ratepayers," he said.
"The only way this will stop is if voters elect independent candidates focussed on their constituents, not political agendas."
Cr Church thanked his wife and family, supporters and the people who voted for him at the past two elections.
"Finally, I would like to wish reelected and newly elected councillors all the best for the next term," he said.
"You have important work to do to secure the best future for this great city."
