Ipswich's long-serving mayor Paul Pisasale has resigned, citing his battle with multiple sclerosis as the reason, one day after the state's crime and corruption watchdog raided the council office.
Dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown, Mr Pisasale made the announcement at St Andrew's Hospital in Ipswich.
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Pisasale retires from Ipswich Council
Long serving Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale resigns from Ipswich City Council, citing a multiple sclerosis attack. 7 News Queensland
"Now it's my time to look after my health," he told reporters.
Within hours of his announcement, the Crime and Corruption Commission released a statement confirming it had executed a search at Ipswich City Council on Monday.
"The search was related to an ongoing CCC investigation," the commission said.
"As the investigation is ongoing, it is not appropriate for the CCC to comment further."
Deputy mayor Paul Tully becomes the acting mayor for three months until the Electoral Commission Queensland conducts a byelection.
Mr Pisasale was first elected to council in March 1991 and took on the deputy mayor's position in April 2000.
He has been mayor since 2004, retaining office with almost 84 per cent of the vote in the 2016 election.
Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale has resigned wearing pyjamas at St Andrews Hospital in Ipswich. CCC announcement today pic.twitter.com/GfeZUYxJJn
— Tony Moore (@eastTMoore) June 6, 2017
More recently, Mr Pisasale fronted a Crime and Corruption Commission hearing as part of the watchdog's investigation into the Ipswich, Gold Coast and Moreton Bay council elections.
This probe has since been expanded to the Logan council election.
As Mr Pisasale's resignation came within the first three years of his current term, a byelection to replace him must be held.
A spokeswoman for Local Government Minister Jackie Trad said that byelection would have to be held before August 29, within 12 weeks of Mr Pisasale's resignation.
The timing of that byelection would be a matter for the Electoral Commission of Queensland, she said.
Comment has been sought from the ECQ.
Danielle Cronin, Mark Solomons, and Cameron Atfield