The in-house election saw the Liberal Party members and Independent councillors band together to topple the Labor Party councillors in a clean result at Tuesday night’s meeting. 

With just two nominees, the North Ward councillor defeated Labor rival Ben Whiting with eight to five votes. 

The new deputy mayor, who has worked in health care for almost 15 years, said he took his appointment very seriously.

“I feel humbled and honoured to have the opportunity to serve our community as deputy mayor for the coming 12-months,” Cr Griffin said. 

“It isn’t a role which I take lightly and will be working hard to ensure that the position of deputy mayor is best represented.”

The first-term councillor replaces fellow party member Cr Sally Halliday, who announced she would not be throwing her hat in the ring for the impending in-chamber election on Sunday.  

On Sunday, Cr Halliday told The Mercury that she was: “very happy being deputy mayor but I will not be contesting this time.”  

Cr Griffin, who received 2636 votes in the 2017 council election, has lived in Maitland for more than 10 years with his wife and two children. He is also a foundation member of the H2O Baptist Church.

The motion was pushed forward by Independent councillor Philip Penfold who called an open vote, and general manager David Evans acted as the returning officer.

Cr Griffin will work alongside incumbent mayor Loretta Baker before the next prospect deputy election will come back to council in September 2019.