Jos Mitchell resigns as Redland City Council mayor

Jos Mitchell has resigned from her position as mayor of the Redland City Council in south-east Queensland, citing a pervasive culture of intimidation and harassment. Her resignation triggers a by-election for the leadership of the bayside council.

In a statement, Mitchell detailed a series of personal and professional attacks, including threats, vandalism of family vehicles, and online targeting of her husband and daughter. She described a coordinated smear campaign involving the leaking of confidential information and approximately 70 complaints filed with the Office of the Independent Assessor. Mitchell noted that all investigated complaints were found to be unsubstantiated by external investigators.

Mitchell, a former Queensland Police Service prosecutor, had been on medical leave since May. She stated that her electoral victory was not respected and that she was viewed as a challenge to the council’s established political culture.