Tensions at the City of Perth have continued to simmer as it enters the second week of an independent Inquiry, with two councillors separately walking out of a meeting.

Last night’s council meeting was the latest to descend into heated exchanges as concerns about workplace culture, councillor leave and the treatment of recently fired CEO Michelle Reynolds were raised.

A question about contact with Ms Reynolds led to Cr Catherine Lezer storming out of the meeting after an exchange with Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds.

Cr Lezer had been asked during public question time if she had had any contact with Ms Reynolds while she was suspended.

She began her answer by referring to when Ms Reynolds first started at the city in 2020 before Mr Reynolds interrupted her.

“We need to be relevant to the question. I think if we could just answer the question one way or another, that would be very much appreciated,” he said.

Cr Lezer said she had not finished her answer and Mr Reynolds invited her to continue “if it’s relevant”.

“I need an answer for this so we can move on please. It’s irrelevant the line ... that you’re taking at the moment,” he said.

“I just would like a yes or a no, please.”

Cr Lezer said she had a “lot to say”, but Mr Reynolds said she was not being relevant.

“Well, they’re not going to get the answer,” Cr Lezer said.

“I refuse to sit here while the chair silences me for talking about the CEO.”

She then stormed out and did not return for the remainder of the meeting.

Mr Reynolds warned council members about speaking out over the sacking of Ms Reynolds.

“Simply saying that you are speaking in a personal capacity does not remove responsibility and statutory obligations that come with being an elected member,” he said at the meeting.

“I’ve seen public statements around council votes, legislative requirements, confidential meetings, legal processes, and the circumstances surrounding the former CEO’s employment. Some of those matters can be objectively established.

“Some are opinions, and some concern information obtained through confidential council process.”

He said he would not “conduct a running argument on the matter” but said he had concerns he would raise them through “appropriate government mechanisms.”

“But the standards should be simple — If something is presented as fact, you better make sure that it’s correct and if something is confidential, you better protect it,” he said.

The tensions then spilled over into public question time when Cr Lezer’s husband, Dr Kevin McIsaac, also asked questions about Ms Reynolds’ suspension.

Mr Reynolds had introduced him as “Mr McIsaac”.

“Lord Mayor, you could at least extend the courtesy of using my correct title when you introduce me, Dr Kevin McIsaac,” he said.

“That’s, by the way, the third time I’ve had to correct you on that matter. I suggest you either get your briefing notes in order, or pay more attention.”

Deputy Lord Mayor David Goncalves then interrupted to say the formal title of “right honourable Lord Mayor” should be used.

Mr Reynolds said “OK let’s move on”, while Dr McIsaac said he was happy to use the formal title.

Earlier in the meeting, the council approved a request from Cr Raj Doshi to take several months of leave amid claims attending meetings was unsafe for her.

It was the first meeting Cr Doshi has attended since June. A request from her in August for seven months leave was declined by the council.

She reapplied for leave at the September 30 meeting for between October to February, but said it was only for council and committee meetings.

Cr Doshi told the council she had been hospitalised for a medical condition which she says was caused by severe stress.

“On 7th of July this year I was hospitalised for a medical condition induced by severe stress which I feel has been caused by the actions of certain members in this chamber,” she said.

“I have a medical certificate with the advice that I don’t expose myself to stressful environments.

“Yet here I am because my leave was refused and if I don’t turn up I run the risk of being sacked.”

Cr Doshi said a psychosocial risk report presented to the council in February identified “toxic behaviours” and claimed there had been “no meaningful change” to address the issues raised.

“I do not feel safe in this environment,” she said.

She also alleged she had experienced misogyny, exclusion, isolation, aggressive behaviour in the chamber, factionalism and bloc voting in the past 18 months.

Cr Doshi is currently a committee member on the audit, risk and improvement committee and the chief executive officer performance review committee, as well as being the city’s alternate member of the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel.

“To be very clear, this request relates to attendance at these meetings only,” she said.

“I will continue my community advocacy and other duties on behalf of the city.”

She read out the State Government approval email she received for the council to consider her leave.

“I felt that was pretty damn sure that the minister was happy with that,” she said.

“I appreciate that the council have to make the decision, but that was the Minister agreeing with it.”

Mr Reynolds asked if Cr Doshi wanted to attend “council events and celebrations” while on leave from formal meetings.

“So you’re looking for an approved leave of absence on the council decision-making process, but are you still wanting to go to events and council celebrations with your council? Am I understanding that correctly?,” Mr Reynolds said.

“The leave of absence that I’ve requested, as I’ve documented, is in relation to these meetings and any committee meetings that I’m on,” Cr Doshi replied.

“So related to this council.”

Cr Doshi seemed confused by the question, asking for clarification over the word “celebrations”.

“Australia Day celebrations, these sorts of things,” Mr Reynolds said.

Cr Doshi said as long as they “don’t involve direct relationships with the council solely, then potentially”.

“I’m not quite sure because we’re not quite there yet. I can’t comment on something that may or may not happen in January,” she said.

Cr Lezer then raised broader concerns about the Local Government Act and councillor leave arrangements.

The council approved Cr Doshi’s leave application 6-2, with Cr Liam Gobbert and Cr Goncalves voting against.

Neither asked questions or spoke during discussion about the application.

After her application was approved, Cr Doshi left the chambers. She is now not expected back until at least February 28.