# Sydney mayor allegedly threatened and children secretly recorded after refusing to step down, inquiry hears

https://mins.news/en/item/57193

- The Guardian, 2026-09-14 05:05 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/14/sydney-mayor-threatened-secretly-recorded-after-refusing-to-step-down-icac-ntwnfb

> Former Strathfield mayor Matthew Blackmore told a NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry that he was allegedly threatened and followed after deciding not to resign under an earlier power-sharing arrangement. He also said his children were secretly recorded, while former Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene face allegations of blackmail or possible surveillance.