A contest is developing for the position of deputy mayor of the Queenstown Lakes district.
Lyal Cocks, of Wanaka, is the incumbent, but first-time Wanaka ward councillor Calum MacLeod told the Otago Daily Times yesterday he was also interested.
Changes to the Local Government Act puts the appointment of deputy mayor in the hands of the mayor - in this case Vanessa van Uden.
Previously, the mayor made a recommendation to the council.
In 2010, Ms van Uden recommended Mr Cocks and was reported by the ODT as saying she would ''maintain the tradition'' of recommending the highest-polling Wanaka ward candidate for the role of deputy mayor.
On Saturday, Mr Cocks was the second-highest polling Wanaka candidate with 601 fewer votes than Mr MacLeod.
Mr Cocks told the ODT he had discussed the deputy mayor's job with the mayor since the election but had had no indication of Ms van Uden's thinking on the subject.
He was interested in continuing in the role, he said.
Mr MacLeod said he expected to have a discussion with the mayor on Thursday and when asked about the deputy mayoralty said: ''I would be interested for sure.''
Ms van Uden said she would not make a decision until after she had canvassed all councillors.
''I think you give fair consideration to everybody and you are looking for the best person to do the job, to be honest.''
She indicated an announcement would be made on Friday. The new council will be sworn in at its first meeting on October 25.
Remuneration
Set by the Remuneration Authority for the Queenstown Lakes District Council
Mayor $102,850
Deputy mayor $41,020
Councillors $29,300
