Cr Mitchell, an independent and former police prosecutor, was elected mayor in 2024, succeeding Karen Williams, who held the position from 2012. She had been on leave since May, which her statement attributed to complex health conditions. The leave was originally expected to last six weeks and was extended twice. Her latest return date was next Monday.

According to the Brisbane Times, a majority of councillors voted at both the September and October general meetings not to accept her leave. Had a further vote at the November meeting gone the same way, her seat would have been automatically vacated.

In her statement, Cr Mitchell said around 70 complaints had been made against her during her term. She also alleged threats, continuous accusations and harassment, vandalism of her family’s cars, a drone hovering over her backyard, and online targeting of her husband and daughter. These are Cr Mitchell’s claims.

Cr Mitchell said no-one should have to accept such treatment as “the price of public office”. She added that there must be room for new representatives without retaliation.

Redland has often led Queensland in councillor conduct complaints. Cr Mitchell had previously said the complaints system could be used to undermine her politically.

Her absence has also featured in wider sector debate. In July the director-general of the state’s local government department said her absence had hampered the work of a governance adviser appointed to the council. In August, a Redland City Council submission to a parliamentary inquiry into councillor conduct suggested a councillor could avoid accountability by being absent.

The Brisbane Times has also reported on questions raised about the process used to recruit a permanent chief executive after Andrew Chesterman’s resignation in September 2024. Council has maintained that the correct process was followed.

A mayoral by-election is now expected. The date and candidates have not been confirmed.

Further reporting from ABC News.