But his grasp on the mayoral chains had been slowly becoming more tenuous by the season.

Factional rival Paul Funnell had been assiduously plotting the mayor’s demise since shortly after the 2012 election, crunching the numbers to roll Cr Kendall at the first opportunity.

He even challenged himself in 2014, narrowly losing by a vote.

Cr Funnell, a large man with opinions to match, believed the mayor had become too autocratic and too cozy with the operational side of council.

A number of his colleagues agreed, including Yvonne Braid, Julian McLaren and Kerry Pascoe, but Cr Kendall always managed to cling to power, despite the hostile environment.

A new four-year council term is like the start of spring – the air is clear and everything is new again.

Emboldened by a strong primary vote, Cr Funnell decided to have another crack.

Late last week, he announced he would stand against the incumbent mayor and began rallying support from councillors.

Labor duo Dan Hayes and Vanessa Keenan refused to support Cr Funnell and refused to horse trade, despite the deputy mayor carrot being dangled in front of them.

This left Cr Funnell with no other option but a dignified retreat.

Greg Conkey was put up as a compromise candidate and within a few phone calls, Cr Kendall’s goose was cooked.

Politics can be a bloodsport – most eventually get dragged out in a body bag.

But it’s still hard not feel a little sorry for Cr Kendall.

Few could question his passion for the city or energy he brought to the role.

If victory goes to those who turn up, Cr Kendall was a winner, honouring a mountain of civic duties.

He had both corporate sensibilities and local government nous, meaning he could communicate effectively with high-level bureaucrats and politicians.

And in the face of defeat, he conducted himself with integrity, a true mark of any man.

He is not lost to public life, of course, remaining a councillor.

And who knows what the next term of council will bring.