Tamworth Regional Council elections: Phil Betts, Russell Webb face off for Tamworth mayor as surprise candidate Brooke Southwell prepares to nominate for deputy

Russell Webb and Phil Betts both told the Leader they will stand to replace retired mayor Col Murray.

Mark Rodda, who topped the poll at last Saturday's election, is a possible third candidate. Cr Rodda said he has yet to make a decision about standing for any leadership role.

But in a surprise entry, newcomer Brooke Southwell told the Leader she will stand for deputy mayor.

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The first-time candidate, who has yet to be declared elected as a councillor, with about 55 per cent of a quota, said she would add some diversity to two 'older male' mayoral candidates.

"Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) residents are looking for change," Ms Southwell said.

"To have someone who has been an existing councillor and then to have someone who is new represents that change at the top level."

Mark Rodda said he has to talk to his wife and family, and his manager at Crown Lands before making a decision one way or another about a leadership bid.

"I've been very patient, waiting for the final numbers before I make that call," he said.

"But I am mindful that there was a number of supporters in the community that were keen for me to put my hand up for the position of mayor."

Cr Betts and Cr Webb have both served as deputy mayor in the past, though the former served in the role most recently. Both said it would be a challenge stepping into Cr Murray's shoes.

"I've got very good connections with the business community in Tamworth and the wider region. And I have been asked by a number of businesses in town to consider putting my hand up, big employers," Cr Webb said.

"One of the other reasons is that I have some very good connections with people of influence away from the city. I'm not just saying government, I'm saying big companies and government agencies."

Cr Betts said as mayor he would aim to "bring the council together as a team to work together, collaboratively and have vigorous debate, but come up up with the best decisions for the broader community".

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New councillors Bede Burke, Marc Sutherland and Labor's Stephen Mears said they would not run for a leadership position.

All said they wanted to learn the ropes on the "backbench" or that they couldn't devote the time that would be needed for a leadership role.

Though he stopped short of saying he was being lobbied for his vote, Mr Mears said he'd been getting calls from mayor candidates since a month before the election.

"I've never had so many new friends," he said.

The new council will elect its mayor at its first meeting on January 5.

Cr Helen Tickle was contacted for comment.

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