Doyle to run for lord mayor - TheAge.com.au

Larissa Ham

Former Victorian Liberal leader Robert Doyle has confirmed he will run for lord mayor of Melbourne.

Mr Doyle, the state opposition leader from 2002 to 2006, will formally announce this morning that he will join the race for the top job.

The former Scotch College teacher is among nine candidates so far to nominate, including the Greens' Adam Bandt, deputy lord mayor Gary Singer, pollster Gary Morgan and Melbourne councillor Catherine Ng.

Mr Doyle holds roles as the chairman of Melbourne Health and director of management consultancy The Nous Group.

He told Radio 3AW this morning that his nomination came after careful consideration.

"I've been in public life once and it didn't end very happily. So you've got to be sure that you've got something to offer and that you want to do something," Mr Doyle said.

His nomination will not be endorsed by the Liberal Party.

"Although yes I'm a Liberal and a very proud one, I'm not bringing the Liberal Party to town hall.

"I want to actually stand as someone who can do things for Melbourne, who can activate things, get things moving again," he said.

Mr Doyle said the task of winning the lord mayor's job would be a tough one.

"I'm certainly no shoo-in as people have suggested. This is an uphill battle and I recognise that."

Mr Doyle will announce his running mate at 10am.

Nominations for the lord mayor's job close at midday tomorrow.

Ballot papers for the election will be sent out from November 11, with voting closing on November 28.

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