The decision follows a May vote to suspend Reynolds after Local Government Inspector Tony Brown held a confidential meeting to discuss a report into allegations against her.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds, who is not related to the chief executive, told reporters the termination was a “significant decision” that the council “did not take lightly”, adding that the investigation examined a range of matters relating to Ms Reynolds’ conduct as chief executive and that the substantiated findings were serious enough to warrant dismissal.
He emphasized that the matter remains confidential due to legal, privacy and confidentiality obligations, and that the council would not discuss further details publicly.
Ms Reynolds, who was appointed chief executive in 2020 to rebuild trust after a 2018 scandal that saw the former lord mayor and council suspended, said the findings were “nothing but a witch hunt” and announced she would challenge the termination.
In a statement to the publication, she said she learned of the decision late on Tuesday via her lawyers after a “protracted four‑month investigation process”, and expressed concerns about the procurement of the investigative firm, alleged leaks to the media and factionalism among elected members.
The council, which has faced 25 complaints since the start of the year and is itself under a new state‑initiated inquiry, will operate under interim leadership while it begins recruiting a new chief executive.
Bruce Reynolds said the council’s focus now is on providing certainty for employees and ensuring the city continues to deliver services to the community, businesses and visitors, while working to strengthen governance and workplace practices.
The backdrop to the sacking includes a December 2025 30‑page dossier submitted by Reynolds detailing a toxic workplace culture and punitive actions, and a January 2026 independent review that highlighted an erosion of trust between the lord mayor’s office and executive staff, prompting the state government to put the council on notice.