Veteran Labor councillor Peter Cumming says he is deeply ashamed and considering his future following a drink-driving charge received after a Christmas party,since sparking calls for his resignation.
The Wynnum Manly ward representative in Brisbane City Council,one of only five Labor figures in the chamber,has held the position since 1994 andled the opposition between its past two election losses.
Cumming’s case is set to be mentioned in the Wynnum Magistrates Court on Monday. Mid-range drink-driving is used to describe a blood alcohol level of between 0.1 and 0.15 per cent — above the legal limit of 0.05 per cent.
News of the drink-driving charge,which emerged on Thursday night,marks the second high-profile south-east Queensland council case in less than a year,followingRedland mayor Karen Williams’ crash in June.
In a statement,Cumming said he was deeply ashamed and deserved any punishment he received — which could include a maximum penalty of six months in jail or a fine of almost $3000.
“I have let down myself and the community as well as those who support me. I will be seeking help and considering my future,” Cumming said.
I know how dangerous drink-driving is and as I said I am extremely sorry for what happened. There is never an excuse for drink-driving.
Peter Cumming
Labor’s council opposition leader,Deagon ward councillor Jared Cassidy,said he was only recently made aware of the charge and had expressed his disappointment to Cumming.
“It’s simply unacceptable and I told Peter that,” he said.