The City of Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said on Friday she intended to carry on with plans to go for a fourth term in the role.
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Her decision comes after five councillors have openly backed rival candidate Cr Ben Taylor for next Monday's mayoral election.
If they all follow through with their stated voting intentions, it would mean Cr McIntosh's three-year term would come to a close.
"I have put my nomination forward and I will leave it on the table," said Cr McIntosh on Friday. "I am aware of the manoeuvring that has happened."
Councillor Des Hudson was the first to tell The Courier of his voting intention on Thursday. He was then followed by Cr Daniel Moloney and Cr Belinda Coates.
They all said they would vote against their party political allegiances for Cr Taylor, a member of the Liberal Party.
I have certainly given my heart and soul to the community, for the people of Ballarat.
- Cr Samantha McIntosh
The mayor would not be drawn to make any other comment on the background of the political jostling for the municipality's most high-profile position apart from remarking: "It's an interesting space."
Asked whether she was upset about the way the race appeared to be unfolding, she said: "I have certainly given my heart and soul to the community, for the people of Ballarat."
"There are some very significant strategic plans that I know will continue no matter who is mayor."
"The important thing is that we continue moving forward with our plans as a city."
She said that she had received "enormous support" from the community.
"I feel honoured to have been able to fulfil [the role of mayor]l and to fulfil it with such success," she told media at the opening of the new fountain at Eureka Stockade Memorial Park.
"I am very proud to have been a voice for Ballarat, and our community. "
"We've got a 2040 strategy and there is a lot more to be done."
The vote will take place next Monday evening. The mayoral position is voted on annually. Only councillors take part in the process, which consists of elimination rounds.
On Thursday, councillors Des Hudson and Daniel Moloney told The Courier they would withdraw from the race, which would leave five candidates still in the running. As well as Crs Taylor and McIntosh, they are Crs Mark Harris, Jim Rinaldi and Grant Tillett.
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