The decision follows a meeting between Ms O’Connor, MLC Scot MacDonald and other branch officials on Thursday.

They decided they would not endorse Ms O'Connor, nor would they field any other candidate in September.

Also on Thursday, Armidale Liberal Party branch official Sam Doyle ruled himself out of standing as a councillor amid speculation he was to be the Liberals’ candidate.

Ms O’Connor is yet to confirm her candidacy, but said Thursday’s decision came from the local branch and was unanimous among the group.

“There are a range of reasons [for the decision], it’s partly to do with personal circumstances but also it’s a three-year term, not a full four-year one,” she said.

“I’m certainly considering [standing], but I haven’t made any formal decisions about the next election.”

Ms O'Connor was the first elected councillor for the now defunct Armidale Dumaresq Council in 2012.

While gaining just 1.5 per cent of the vote, or 187 votes, it was her Liberal Party endorsement that catapulted her into first position with an extra 1621 party votes.

In 2008, the Liberal Party’s endorsed candidate Rob Richardson was elected into second position with just 3 per cent of the vote, also benefiting from the party vote.

UNE’s Centre for Local Government director Brian Dollery said losing the party’s backing was a major setback for Ms O’Connor.

“I think it will hurt her chances [of re-election],” he said.

“Party politics in local government are most unwelcome and so ... I’m heartened to hear that the Liberal Party will not put in a ticket.”

Ms O’Connor agreed party politics had no place in local councils and said even when she was endorsed, she always remained independent.

“I’ve always personally, as an endorsed candidate, been very clear that my position as a councillor is not influenced by Liberal Party policy,” she said.

“[The decision] doesn’t mean that there won't be Liberal running, it just means we will be maintaining a supportive position to all our members no matter what.”

Candidate nominations officially open on Monday, July 30. To register, visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au