Goodbye and Good Riddance: Nuatali Nelmes’ Exit and the Quiet Death of Democracy in Newcastle

Let’s talk about Nuatali Nelmes. You know her—Newcastle’s 14th Lord Mayor, the woman who clung to power like a barnacle on the hull of a sinking ship. After 16 years in local government, she’s finally resigned. But let’s be clear: this wasn’t some noble act of self-sacrifice. Nelmes was voted out as Mayor at the last election. The people of Newcastle spoke, and they said, “Enough.” Yet, like so many politicians who just can’t take a hint, she stayed on council, refusing to fully step aside. Why? Because that’s what politicians do. They hang on, even when the public has clearly moved on.