Knox councillor receives second suspension in three months after allegations of profane attacks on colleagues

“I commit to not repeating this behaviour or to minimising it.”

Author

Matthew Sims
June 10, 2026

Knox councillor Peter Lockwood has been suspended for one month after two of his colleagues alleged he called them “f***wits” and told them to “f*** off” during last year's mayoral election debate.

The suspension is the second sanction against Lockwood, who was previously suspended from March to April due to claims of being “very disruptive” during a meeting which eventually saw Knox Council commit $15,000 towards installing red bows at selected retail precincts last Christmas.

🤬 How it happened: On November 20, Knox Council held its mayoral election, which lasted 11 voting rounds before councillors reached agreement on appointing Paige Kennett as mayor and Chris Duncan as deputy mayor.

  • On February 9, councillors Robert Williams and Susan Pearce lodged a misconduct complaint alleging Lockwood swore at them in the council chamber and during an adjournment during the meeting, behaving in a way that was intimidating and that made them feel unsafe.

  • They alleged Lockwood described Pearce as “always trouble” and “always complain[ing] and whing[ing]” before telling the pair to “f*** off”.

  • Williams and Pearce also accused Lockwood of calling them “f***wits” and “idiots”.

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🙂‍↔️ Accusations denied: During an April 15 directions hearing, Lockwood denied the allegations, later telling arbitrators he did not use obscene or threatening language.

💬 Texts and emails: Williams provided a screenshot of a text message sent later that evening saying "Sorry I swore at you", as well as an email from Lockwood expressing regret and asking the pair to reconsider their complaint.

  • Lockwood later claimed the apology referred to him saying “Jesus Christ”.

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🧑‍⚖️ Official findings: On June 1, independent arbiter Louise Hill found Lockwood had engaged in misconduct and suspended him for one month from June 10.

  • Hill said Cr Lockwood’s denial of responsibility for his behaviour was “concerning”.

  • Hill also ordered him to apologise in writing and verbally. During Tuesday night's council meeting, Lockwood acknowledged his conduct was “disrespectful and demeaning”.

  • 🗣️ “I commit to not repeating this behaviour or to minimising it,” said Lockwood.