Tamworth Regional Council: Councillors set to vote for role of deputy mayor at Tuesday's ordinary meeting

Cr Betts told the Leader he will put his hand up for the role again.

And, it appears he's unlikely to face many challengers.

A quick ring-around revealed councillors Charles Impey, Mark Rodda, Helen Tickle, Russell Webb and Juanita Wilson had decided to rule themselves out of contention.

It will be a short term, as the pandemic saw local government elections pushed back until September and then again to December.

Given the public will return to the ballot box in just two-and-a-half months, most councillors said they would rather "keep the status quo" for now.

Cr Rodda said while many members of the public have encouraged him to put his hand up, he doesn't believe he'd have the numbers within the council to be voted in.

While Cr Impey said at this stage he doesn't believe he has the time to commit to a role as demanding as deputy mayor.

"I work full-time during the day and I think if you want to be mayor or deputy mayor you've got to have a bit more time available to really merit the role," he said.

Cr Webb told the Leader he would prefer to wait until the new council is elected in December before he makes any decisions on whether to stand for a leadership position.

"I do have ambitions if I'm elected, but I don't know what's going to happen there or if I run or not," he said.

READ ALSO:

As for Cr Tickle, she said she was satisfied with the current leadership and didn't feel it was necessary to change that, especially with such a small amount of time until the election.

Councillors Glenn Inglis and Jim Maxwell were contacted for comment.

With mayor Col Murray stepping down at the next election, the top job will also be up for grabs on December 4.

Cr Murray announced last year that it would be his last term, having served as mayor for more than a decade and a member of the council since 2004. In his absence, Cr Betts has indicated he would be willing to throw his hat in the ring.

"I'm going to put my hand up for the December elections, and if re-elected I'll put my hand up for consideration for mayor," he said.

Councillors will either cast their votes by a secret ballot, or by show of hands.

In past years, council has conducted their elections for the position by secret ballot.

The decision on deputy mayor will be made in the council chambers at Ray Walsh House on Tuesday at 6:30pm.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: