An embattled former Queensland mayor is facing accusations he exaggerated his medical history during his campaign. Troy Thompson was suspended from the high-ranking position last November during an investigation by Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
Share this @internewscast.com
An embattled former Queensland mayor is facing accusations he exaggerated his medical history during his campaign.

Troy Thompson was suspended from the high-ranking position last November during an investigation by Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).

Months earlier, the 54-year-old faced scrutiny over claims he made about his military, business and academic history.

An embattled former Queensland mayor is facing accusations he exaggerated his medical history during his campaign. Troy Thompson was suspended from the high-ranking position last November during an investigation by Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
Thompson is facing accusations he exaggerated his medical history during his campaign. (Supplied)

Last month Local Government Minister Ann Leahy issued Thompson with a show cause notice after she received an interim briefing from the CCC.

The legal notice gave Thompson 14 days to explain why he should remain as the mayor.

Thompson instead resigned from the position, triggering a by-election.

Former Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson spoke to A Current Affair last year.
Former Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson spoke to A Current Affair last year. (A Current Affair)

“Let me be absolutely clear about this, this resignation is not an admission of wrongdoing,” Thompson said in a video posted to social media last month.

Thompson intends to run for his old position at next month’s by-election.

However, he is facing questions over a separate claim he made during last year’s campaign that he is a cancer survivor.

During an interview with A Current Affair, Thompson spoke about his health.

“The hardest thing was, and people saw me at my sickest here, I’d had stomach surgery, esophageal surgery and I think for about nine months I lived off a tube,” he said.

Former Townsville City Council mayor Troy Thompson resigned from his position last month.
Former Townsville City Council mayor Troy Thompson resigned from his position last month. (9News)

“I was told to get my affairs in order, things weren’t well, I wasn’t healthy.”

Thompson never specifically confirmed the type of cancer he had during the interview and never used the word cancer in his response.

9News understands the allegation he exaggerated his medical history has been put to Thompson directly as part of investigations into his conduct.

A source once close to the former mayor said they believe the major medical ordeal he spoke about in the interview was a separate surgery and not terminal cancer.

“It frightened the hell out of me, it absolutely frightened the hell out of me,” Thompson said at the time.

Meanwhile the state government, forbidden from releasing the corruption watchdog’s findings so far, continues to call on Thompson to come clean and to release the show-cause notice he was issued before voters have their say on November 15.

“He can legally release it, he must legally release it, and if he doesn’t release it, it tells you, he’s got something to hide,” Premier David Crisafulli said.

9News has invited Thompson to clarify what cancers he has been diagnosed with, the severity of those cancers and the treatment he received for them.

Thompson declined an interview and has not responded to questions but he has released a wide-ranging social media statement which has addressed the claims he made in his campaign.

“I reject the suggestion that calling myself a ‘cancer survivor’ was misleading,” Thompson said about his cancer survivor claims.

“I have had cancer, and I also endured major surgery, nine months of illness, and was told to get my affairs in order.

“Those experiences are personal, but they are also real. That battle shaped me.

“I shared it to connect with people who know what it’s like to fight through hardship.

“It was never about politics – it was about survival, resilience, and honesty.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Lorraine and Howard Williams, pictured sightseeing in Japan during their cruise.

From Tragedy to Triumph: How One Man Overcame a Life-Altering Accident in Japan

Howard Williams, a vibrant and active 65-year-old, embarked on what should have…
Police tracked the 40-year-old to a dumpster in the loading dock of a Carrum Downs shopping centre.

Unbelievable Police Pursuit: CCTV Captures High-Speed Chase Concluding in Astonishing Location

Air Wing vision has captured the moment police discovered a man hiding…
Anthony Albanese.

Prime Minister Unveils Strategic Plan to Address Fuel Crisis, Criticizes Hoarding Practices

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the government will be granted…

Urgent Evacuation in Western Australia: Cyclone’s Devastating Impact Forces Residents to Flee

In brief: Tropical Cyclone Narelle has re-intensified off the the northern coast…

Government Enacts Temporary Suspension on Iranian Visitor Entry, Affecting Previously Issued Visas

In brief: From March 26, a six-month an Arrival Control Determination will…
Looksmaxxing

Emerging Trend Among Young Men Raises Concerns Over Potentially Hazardous Behavior

On the surface, a movement prompting young men to enhance their physical…
Lynwood fatal

Tragic Rideshare Accident: Infant Killed, Woman and Child Sustain Severe Injuries

Police are investigating a tragic single-vehicle crash that killed a baby and…
Sprout bakery owners Rebecca Foley and Lutz Richter.

Struggling Aussie Entrepreneurs: The Harsh Truth Behind the $5 Price Tag Challenge

Small business owners in Australia are already being smashed by taxes and…

Cyclone Narelle Shuts Down Major Gas Facilities in Australia, Intensifying Fuel Shortage Concerns

A powerful tropical cyclone has wreaked havoc in Western Australia, halting operations…
Tom Brooks, a 20-year-old second year plumbing apprentice from rural WA.

UK Fuel Crisis Forces Apprentices Like Tom to Consider Quitting: A Growing Concern in the Workforce

Exclusive: Australia is in the grips of a tradie shortage and the…
Truck driver Robert Cook warning over diesel shortage

Truckers Slam Albo’s Fuel Crisis Plan: Is Your Business at Risk of Going Under?

The peak body for road transport says fresh national measures to combat…
The Taroom Trough is just 300km north of Brisbane.

Queensland Eyes Rapid Development of Singapore-Sized Oil Lake to Boost Energy Sector

The Queensland government has already granted several companies approval to conduct exploration…