A Queensland mayor under investigation over misrepresenting his military, education and business credentials has announced his resignation, but plans to run in the looming by-election.

Troy Thompson was elected as Townsville’s mayor in April 2024.

He was suspended by the state government on full pay for 12 months in November, amid an ongoing Crime and Corruption Commission investigation.

Mr Thompson had been under pressure to resign after it was revealed in May 2024 he had falsely declared details of his military record and university degrees.

In a statement posted on social media on Friday, Mr Thompson said he was standing down a month before his suspension period was due to end.

“This resignation is not an admission of wrong-doing,” he said.

The resignation comes just a week after Local Government Minister Ann Leahy issued Mr Thompson with a show-cause notice, asking him why he should not be dismissed.

Ms Leahy issued the show cause notice after being briefed by the Crime and Corruption Commission, which has been investigating Mr Thompson for more than a year.

Mr Thompson has maintained he was the victim of political interference.

“I was elected by 53,956 people with a clear mandate, yet the premier and minister are attempting to use government bureaucracy to overturn that decision,” he said.

Mr Thompson said he would run again as mayor, with a by-election expected to be declared.

“Nothing in the law prevents me from running again,” he said.

State government stopped from releasing CCC allegations

Local Government Minister Ann Leahy said there would now be a by-election.

“The decision of who will be mayor of Townsville is now in the hands of the people of Townsville,” she said.  

Ms Leahy said she was not allowed to release the CCC allegations against Mr Thompson in the show-cause notice.

“Clearly the people would want to know that information before they go to the polls and it is my view that they deserve that information,” she said.

“The CCC has specifically restricted me from releasing that information … the avenue for releasing that information sits with the CCC.”

She stressed the CCC investigation was ongoing.

Mr Thompson had also been provided with a copy of the CCC allegation and could release it if he wanted, Ms Leahy said.

“I do not make decisions for Mr Thompson but I am encouraging all candidates to be open and transparent,” she said. 

Ms Leahy said a date for the by-election would be announced next week. 

Thee Townsville city council said a special council meeting would be held on Monday to consider voting methods. 

Resignation follows 18-month saga

Mr Thompson’s resignation follows an 18-month saga about his background and military credentials.

Throughout the mayoral race, Mr Thompson said he had served for five years with the Royal Australian Corps of Signals and the Special Air Service Regiment.

He later said he joined the Army two years later than originally claimed, only served with one squadron and was never a member of the SAS.

Mr Thompson said his failure to remember his military record accurately was the result of more than 100 concussions. 

‘Taken too long’

Federal MP Phil Thompson said the investigation into Mr Thompson had taken too long.

“It’s a long time for the ratepayers to be on the hook for someone’s salary when they’re sitting at home,” he said.

He said the veteran community had been upset by Mr Thompson’s inflation of his military record in the lead up to the March 2024 election.

“No-one likes to hear people who have embellished their service … a lot of veterans were quite upset and quite hurt by the comments.”

Mr Thompson said this morning he had already addressed claims he had misrepresented his background.

“Like anyone, I may have made mistakes or misremembered details from decades ago, but I have always acted in good faith,” he said.