A Sydney mayor faces serious allegations of blackmail and illegal surveillance after refusing to comply with demands to resign, according to testimony before New South Wales’ corruption inquiry. The case centers on claims that the former independent mayor was threatened, followed, and had his children secretly recorded as part of a broader probe into potential misconduct by Strathfield councillors. The inquiry, known as Operation Rosny, has now expanded its focus to examine whether these actions crossed legal boundaries. Details from the hearing suggest a disturbing escalation in political disputes within the local government.
Corruption inquiry turns its investigation to allegations Strathfield councillors may have engaged in blackmail or illegal surveillanceFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastA Sydney mayor was allegedly threatened, followed and his children were secretly recorded after he refused to honour an agreement to step down, the NSW corruption watchdog has heard.Former independent Strathfield council mayor Matthew Blackmore has fronted the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) inquiry, codenamed Operation Rosny.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here Continue reading...
