Independent Philip Penfold has claimed victory in the Maitland mayoral race over incumbent Loretta Baker.
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Cr Penfold said on Tuesday that he was committed to representing voters and the city "to the best of my ability".
He claimed the mayoralty with 51.3 per cent of the vote to Cr Baker's 48.7 per cent after preferences, a swing of 6.1 per cent in his favour after he lost to Cr Baker in 2017.
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"I would like to thank Cr Loretta Baker for her contribution as Mayor of Maitland over the past 4 years," he said in a message on social media.
"While we don't always see eye to eye on issues, her passion for our city is undeniable and I look forward to working with her and all councillors for the betterment of our community."
The Liberals' Ben Mitchell won 14.6 per cent of the vote.
Cr Baker (Labor) was re-elected as a councillor in central ward.
She said it had been an "honour and privilege" to serve as Maitland's first female mayor.
"However, the people have spoken, and in a democracy they never get it wrong," she said.
Each of the four wards appears destined to be represented again by one Labor, one Liberal and one independent councillor.
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