Labor mayoral candidate Loretta Baker is “cautiously optimistic” of her chances of becoming Maitland’s first female mayor, as a clearer picture forms of the makeup of the city’s next council.
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As of Sunday morning, Cr Baker maintains a lead of more than 1300 votes over next closest candidate, Independent Phil Penfold, in the mayoral race.
The Labor candidate has snapped up 31.44 per cent of the first preference vote, while Cr Penfold claimed 28.35 per cent.
The next closest behind those two is Liberal candidate Bob Geoghegan, with 17.13 per cent of the vote.
A preference deal between the Liberals and Labor will likely ensure Cr Baker’s victory, but with postal votes yet to be counted there is room for movement in the mayoral race.
Across the wards, it appears increasingly likely that the 12 councillors will be comprised of a four-four-four split, with the Liberals, Labor and the Penfold Independents contributing a councillor in each ward.
Postal votes will be counted on Monday, with returning officer Kevin Short standing by his earlier statement that a result for mayor will likely be announced on Wednesday.