City of Newcastle Council has confirmed Lord Mayor, Ross Kerridge, will take a leave of absence following a recent medical diagnosis.
In a statement, the Council said the Lord Mayor had recently been diagnosed with “a serious medical condition that requires ongoing treatment”.
“He will be taking a leave of absence from his duties as Lord Mayor starting Monday, 27 October until early 2026.”
During this period, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Charlotte McCabe will assume the responsibilities of Lord Mayor to ensure continuity of leadership and service to the community, the Council stated.
“City of Newcastle extends its full support to Lord Mayor Kerridge and wishes him strength and a full recovery.”
In a separate statement online, the Lord Mayor said he was taking leave in an effort to prioritise his own health.
“At the beginning of October, I spent some time with my family. Unfortunately, during this time, I was diagnosed with a serious medical condition that requires treatment,” he said.
“As part of this treatment, I have now been advised that I should take leave from my role as Lord Mayor until mid – January, in order to prioritise my own health.
“I am going to do this formally and in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act.
“I and my family appreciate privacy, and would request that this be respected at this time.
“I will provide more details when my expected outcome becomes clearer, and when personally appropriate.”
