The election used a preferential voting system and was held by postal ballot.

[1] The City of Melbourne is a local government municipality consisting of nine councillors, a lord mayor and a deputy lord mayor, who are elected for a four-year term.

In her complaint, Sullivan alleged that Doyle had sexually harassed and indecently assaulted her.

On 17 December, Doyle released a statement on Twitter, which said he had not been informed of the details of the allegations.

He announced he would take a month's leave while an investigation was carried out, stressing that his standing aside "must not be interpreted as any concession or admission".