This mayoral election could be a very interesting contest for a number of reasons, the foremost being that at some stage it will come down to a two-horse race with the question being just who those two people will be.

An Extraordinary Meeting is scheduled for 3pm this Wednesday, September 11 by the Armidale Regional Council specifically to elect its mayor for the coming year.

One thing for certain is that Cr Simon Murray does not have this wrapped up by any stretch of the imagination.

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Cr Ian Tiley has confirmed he will make a tilt for the position, and with Cr Diane Gray still in the mix, the secret ballot could end up heading in any direction.

On the surface, the most likely outcome seems to be a final, very close tussle between Cr Murray and Cr Tiley.

That said, it may all be sorted out in the first ballot with Councillors either swayed by recent conversations about Cr Tiley's perceived non-residency, or a perception that the incumbent has not done enough.

Voting for the deputy-Mayor's position may be another contest with no shortage of contenders. My tip, perhaps Cr Peter Bailey.

While it will all be interesting, it is worth remembering this council has no shortage of capable women who could hold down the deputy's role - or occupy the Mayor's chair.