Resignation of Deputy Mayor Charles Wooley & Election of Ben Shaw

UPDATE – 6 October 2025

Following the resignation of Deputy Mayor Charles Wooley, the Tasmanian Electoral Commission ran a recount on the 2022 Local Government election.

Ben Shaw was elected in the recount and will serve as Councillor until the 2026 ordinary elections.

The elected members will decide who will become the Deputy Mayor at the Council Meeting on 21 October.

Welcome to the table Ben!

Yesterday Deputy Mayor Charles Wooley notified Council of his resignation.

Councillor Wooley has moved outside the Municipality making him ineligible to continue to serve on Council.

Council has notified the Tasmanian Electoral Commission. We expect that they will carry out a recount of eligible candidates from the 2022 election to fill the vacant Councillor position. A result is expected in the coming weeks.

Council sincerely thanks Deputy Mayor Wooley for his contribution over the past three years. Your humour and wisdom will be missed, Charles. We wish you all the best for the future!

Mayor Janet Gatehouse said “I am very sorry that Charles is stepping away as Sorell Councillor and Deputy Mayor due to relocating out of the municipality. I will miss his considered worldly view on life, his contribution and support. There can’t be many Councils that have access to a lifetime of experience from a well-respected international journalist, and we have all benefited from him.  He cares about doing the “right” thing for the community and has deep affection for this municipality. I have no doubt he will be keeping an eye on us and will not be surprised when the phone call comes. Thank you, Charles, for your humour and friendship. I am sure we have not seen or heard the last of him.“