Shepparton mayor resists lure of Canberra

“There were some very strong conversations and it has been going on for quite a few months,” she said.

“Obviously with Damian Drum standing down that became a real possibility but I’m just very happy in my role as mayor at the moment. I’ve still got work to finish with my councillor role.”

Cr O’Keeffe said such opportunities didn’t come along often but the timing wasn’t right. She did hint at a possible tilt at state parliament.

“I’ll certainly be looking at what happens this time next year with the state election,” she said.

Cr O’Keeffe has just been elected to another term leading Regional Cities Victoria, the key lobby group for the state’s largest municipalities.

Cr O’Keeffe said she had enjoyed working with Mr Drum and would work equally well with whoever his successor was.

“I have worked really closely with Damian and his whole team and we have achieved a lot, which I am very proud of,” she said.