However, Cr Johnson ran her election campaign as an independent.

Yesterday, she said the campaign caused her to “thoroughly assess” what she believed in.

“In the past weeks it has become apparent that my ideological beliefs match well with those of the Liberal Party,” Cr Johnson said.

But, she also said she would not bring party politics into the council chamber.

“My (Liberal Party) membership will not impact upon my decisions.

“I was elected to represent the people of the north ward and of the City of Ballarat and north my decisions will be based on what the community wants.

“My membership allows me to support the party that I believe is the best suited to govern us at a state and federal level.

“The Liberal Party does not endorse council candidates in Ballarat and being a member does not mean that I represent the party, or that I was a Liberal candidate.”

Cr Johnson said 20 of the 22 council candidates were independent, with two new councillors Belinda Coates and south ward candidate David Eldridge - backed by the Greens.

Councillors Vicki Coltman, John Burt and Samantha McIntosh are all members of the Liberal Party, but stood as independents, while Cr Des Hudson is an ALP member, but also stood on an independent platform.

Defeated north ward candidate Daniel Moloney said, while Cr Johnson’s change of political affiliation wouldn’t have affected the result, he would have preferred to have known about it.

“I’ve got no problem with Amy being a Liberal Party member, but I would have preferred to see it come out earlier,” Mr Moloney said.

“There were Labor and Liberal candidates running in the north ward but they were clear on it.

“But I don’t think it would have affected the result and I take my hat off to her, she got the votes.”

fiona.henderson@thecourier.com.au