Councillors have been counting their numbers over the past week, with three already expected to contest the chief role. Three others have nominated to take up the mantle as deputy.

The vote will take place next Tuesday night with councillors Laurie Bishop, Jenny Bailey and Jim Maher seeking the endorsement of mayor from their peers.

Incumbent Cr Bishop wants to “see the status quo maintained”, believing it would make Armidale Dumaresq Council more stable.

“There’s been a lot of change in the last 12 months,” he said.

Cr Bishop ousted his predecessor, Cr Maher, in a close six to four vote at last year’s ballot.

Cr Maher is expected to re-contest for his old job after strongly considering the possibility at the start of the week.

Meanwhile, Cr Bailey has confirmed her intention to step up from the deputy position, saying she was inspired to run after getting a taste for the job when Cr Bishop was on holidays in June.

She said early speculation over her running prompted a lot of community encouragement.

“I think I have something to offer,” Cr Bailey said. “There are [Council] factions – even though I don’t like using the word – but I think I have the ability to bring both sides together.

“We need to move forward with a united voice for the community.”

In the deputy race Margaret O’Connor, Colin Gadd and Herman Beyersdorf have put up their hands to take up the role.

Cr O’Connor was the first to announce her intention saying she believed leadership was best shared; Cr Gadd said he wasn’t considering taking on the top job; and at this stage, Cr Beyersdorf said he would most likely try again for the deputy mayor’s position after being replaced by Cr Bailey last year.

Meanwhile Uralla and Guyra shire councils will hold their mayoral ballot on September 22, with Walcha Council’s on September 29.

Follow The Armidale Express online and on Twitter Tuesday night from 6pm for live coverage of the mayoral election.