Mayor for Tamworth Col Murray, pictured on the campaign trail yesterday, said he was very happy that voters had decided to re-elect him. Photo: Barry Smith
Incumbent mayor for Tamworth Col Murray has led the Tamworth Regional Council poll with a result of 5668 in the initial count of first-preference votes.
Speaking today, Mr Murray said he was very happy with his result.
"It's a strong endorsement of the previous council. We've made some hard decisions lately," Mr Murray said.
The next best poller was deputy mayor Russell Webb on 2932 - about half that of Cr Murray's vote count.
Warren Woodley is next, on 2479, with former mayor and current councillor James Treloar on 2336.
Best of the newcomers so far is Mark Rodda, on 2063.
As at 11.10am today, total formal votes counted were 31,520; total informal votes totalled 1860 and progressive total ordinary votes were 33,380.
Voter turnout was 82.93 per cent, with the quota required to be elected standing at 3153 votes.
Helen Tickle's result was 1992, with Moonbi's Tim Coates at 1932 and Juanita Wilson's tally close by on 1734 .
Other candidates locked in a close battle were first-time candidate Danny Ballard of Barraba, on 1517 votes, another first-time candidate, 22-year-old Kimberley Sherwood, on 1378, Phil Betts on 1373, Paul Durant on 1356 and Ray Tait on 1306.
Barry Biffin on 612 votes and Judith Edmunds on 537 were the only candidates not to reach four figures.