Salim Mehajer, the western Sydney councillor who drew headlines after closing an entire street for his wedding without official approval, has been re-elected as deputy mayor.
The vote was carried out at an Auburn city council meeting on Wednesday.
Fellow councillor Irene Simms said the chamber “sat in shock” as Mehajer was re-elected in his position, and that it was only a matter of time before Auburn council is kicked out.
“I could not believe he was actually a nominee,” Simms told reporters on Thursday.
“I think the fact that they even nominated him is a slap in the face to the people of this area again.”
Simms said many local residents were furious with the outcome.
The controversial deputy mayor made headlines last month when he shut down a suburban Sydney street for his lavish nuptials, which included a fighter jet flyover, $50m worth of luxury cars and an Aria award-winning wedding singer.
“It is a matter of time before the council gets kicked out,” Simms said. “Last night’s vote has helped ensure that is going to happen.”
