After a spirited and inspiring campaign, Jamal Hakim has conceded the Melbourne Lord Mayoral election, with results indicating a conservative win. 

Hakim, who ran on a platform of honesty, transparency and progressive change, emphasised key issues including Melbourne’s potential to become the world’s most family-friendly city, and centring community and creativity, all bolstered by a bold, globally benchmarked economic plan. Today, he expressed deep gratitude to all who supported his candidacy. 

“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Hakim. “This campaign was about more than winning an election—it was about amplifying the voices of those who’ve been overlooked, and advocating for a Melbourne that’s democratic, welcoming, and flourishing,” he said. 

After a spirited and inspiring campaign, Jamal Hakim has conceded the Melbourne Lord Mayoral election, with results indicating a conservative win.  

Hakim, who ran on a platform of honesty, transparency and progressive change, emphasised key issues including Melbourne’s potential to become the world’s most family-friendly city, and centring community and creativity, all bolstered by a bold, globally benchmarked economic plan. Today, he expressed deep gratitude to all who supported his candidacy. 

Hakim thanked the thousands of Melburnians who believed in his vision and voted for change. He praised the dedication of his campaign team, volunteers and supporters, who worked tirelessly throughout the race.  

“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Hakim. “This campaign was about more than winning an election—it was about amplifying the voices of those who’ve been overlooked, and advocating for a Melbourne that’s democratic, welcoming, and flourishing,” he said. 

Reflecting on the campaign, Hakim said, “The work doesn’t stop here. Whether it’s improving public safety, supporting small businesses, empowering the arts, or redressing homelessness, I remain committed to making Melbourne better. Melbourne deserves better, and I hope that many of our campaign’s ideas will be integrated into the city’s future.” 

Hakim also announced that he will soon be launching new initiatives to advance several core issues championed during his campaign. 

Deputy Lord Mayor candidate Esther Anatolitis echoed Hakim’s sentiments. “I was so honoured to run alongside Jamal Hakim, a person of great integrity and vision. As a progressive city, the City of Melbourne’s strength is in our diversity, and I want to express my warmest thanks to every neighbour, small business owner, artist, colleague and resident who’s offered such valuable insight and generous support these past weeks and months. You’ve got high expectations of our city councillors, and I know you will continue to express those expectations. With Melbourne’s status as Australia’s arts and cultural capital now in serious jeopardy, the City’s next council is faced with immediate- and long-term challenges to redress with ethics and alacrity. The people of our municipality expect no less.” 

Lead councillor candidate Michael Smith reiterated his gratitude to the thousands of people who supported Team Hakim’s vision. “While we are disappointed with the result, it was wonderful to see that so many Melbournians backed our vision for a city that is well designed, family friendly, and culturally vibrant. Planning our city over the next few years is going to be a critical challenge for Melbourne to ensure our future liveability. I will continue to do whatever I can to advocate for a better designed Melbourne, and for our unique public places like Royal Park and Federation Square to be protected and enhanced.” 

Hakim reaffirmed his commitment to serving Melbourne, asserting that his dedication to the city and its people remains unwavering. “I love this city, and I believe in its potential. I look forward to collaborating with community groups, leaders, and residents to ensure that Melbourne remains a thriving, diverse, and welcoming place for all,” he said. 

Recognising the importance of a transparent, democratic process, Hakim called for legislative reform in local government, advocating for open disclosure of donations during elections and legislative action against proxy candidates. “Transparency is essential to build trust in our leaders and in our system,” he said. “Melburnians deserve a government that represents them without undue influence, and this reform is long overdue.” 

“Melbourne’s potential is limitless. We must all work together to create a city that thrives on its diversity, creativity, and innovation.” He added: “We must always hold power to account.” 

“Thank you, Melbourne, for your support, passion, and commitment to making this city a better place. While this chapter ends, the story of Melbourne’s progress continues, and I am honoured to be part of it.” Hakim added. 

Background information: 

The campaign reflected a robust, values-driven vision for Melbourne, including: 

• A Family-Friendly Melbourne: Building the world’s most family-friendly city through policies promoting accessible services, safe public spaces, and support for all types of families. 

• Economic Leadership: A bold economic plan incorporating Melbourne’s first-ever Business Improvement District to bolster local businesses and draw investment, making Melbourne resilient in a global market. 

• A Cleaner, Greener, Safer City: Strategies to address public safety, reduce homelessness, and maintain vibrant, accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy. 

• Advocating for Legislative Reform: Pioneering calls for transparent donation disclosures and policies against proxy candidates to ensure that local governance remains principled and accountable. 

• Arts and Culture Initiatives: Championing Melbourne’s role as Australia’s arts and cultural capital through proposals to fund community-driven arts projects, support public art installations, and establish creative spaces that empower local artists. Our campaign emphasised that arts and culture are vital to Melbourne’s identity and economic strength, and we remain committed to supporting the creative community. 

Team Hakim employed other commitments in science and technology, graffiti management, safety through design, tranport and much more. Policies can be found on teamhakim.au 

As this chapter closes, Hakim pledged to continue his work for Melbourne’s future, encouraging Melburnians to stay engaged and work with the incoming leadership to achieve the city’s limitless potential.