Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp has announced she will bow out at the next local government election.

In a statement on social media, Cr Capp said she loved the job and it has been an honour and privilege to support the people of Melbourne.

But after six years in the role and at the age of 56, she said it’s time to look for new opportunities.

“It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing I will not be contesting the next local government election,” she said.

“I have decided that at 56, having spent my 50s so far at Town Hall, it’s time for me to seek new opportunities to propel me into my next decade.”

She says she’ll step down in June.

Cr Capp was elected as Lord Mayor in 2018, when Council faced what she said were significant internal and external issues, including a culture of unacceptable councillor behaviour and delays on major projects.

She was also at the helm during terrorism incidents, the outbreak of Covid-19 and long lockdowns.

“Despite this, together we have driven the revitalisation of this magnificent city – emerging as Australia’s largest city, the world’s third most liveable, and the fourth best student city globally,” she said.

“We are once again the driver of Victoria’s economy and a major contributor on the national stage.

I’m so proud of our achievements as a Council over the past six years.”

Cr Capp acknowledged both the City’s team and residents, saying Council has tripled its investment in city cleaning, delivered Australia’s largest events program and undertaken a program of major infrastructure projects.

Victoria will hold local council elections in October.