Insisting she has done so in a strictly private capacity and not as Shoalhaven Mayor, Cr Gash said the letter had been sent to 49 people, mostly previous campaign donors in the Batemans Bay area..

“It has nothing to do with the mayor, it is entirely private. There is nothing untoward about it,” Cr Gash said.

“I have taken leave to help with the campaign.”

In the letter, signed “Joanna Gash, Ann Sudmalis Campaign Team”, Cr Gash wrote: “This election will be very hard and very close and I ask for your financial support.”

The letter has drawn criticism from veteran councillor Greg Watson, who said he was sent a copy by a Nowra business operator who was “considerably concerned” by it.

“Generally speaking, I’m rather concerned the mayor would send out a campaign letter backing an MP,” Cr Watson said.

“I think this places the mayor in a difficult position if there is a change of government or a change of local member.”

Cr Watson said the business operator who passed him the letter was concerned about the ethics of a mayor showing their political colours.

“We’ve always had an independent council but this one has become political because of the mayor’s actions.” he said.

Cr Watson said he was concerned the appeal for funds on the back of a proposed 34 per cent business rates cut could be interpreted as seeking a “quid pro quo”, a claim hotly denied by Cr Gash.

“It has nothing to do with council,” Cr Gash. 

“Jo Gash is a ratepayer and is entitled to a private life. I’ve looked into it and it’s entirely legitimate”

She said an undertaking to “look at” leaving the Liberal Party once elected mayor had been misinterpreted.

“I said I would look at it not that I would it,” she said.