Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour will step down as a Labor candidate for the NSW Legislative Council following a vicious smear campaign and the impact it is having on his family and his beloved Labor Party.

A spokesman for the Mayor said the relentless leaking against him and smearing of his good character had taken a huge toll on those he loves.

“The latest headlines are the last straw,” the spokesman said.

“The Mayor is vehemently denying any wrong doing and has at all times adhered to the policy set by Council, a policy scrutinised by the Office of Local Government.”

“The attack on the Mayor has been a political hatchet job and those pursuing him must be condemned.”

The spokesman said the decision to step down had not been an easy one but was also necessary to give NSW opposition leader Chris Minns a fighting chance to oust an ineffective Liberal/Coalition government in disarray.

“The Mayor realises the attacks will continue and it is in the Labor Party’s best interests he is not a distraction.

“Chris Minns is an outstanding leader and will be a breath of fresh air for the people of NSW.

The Mayor will be making no further comment.