Newcastle councillor Katrina Wark has called for voters to get behind herself and Ross Kerridge's team of Independents as "the only way" to stop Labor and Greens achieving a majority on council.
Cr Wark will run in the September 14 council election as an Independent after failing to receive endorsement from the Liberal party.
But that turned out to be a blessing in disguise after Matt Bailey, who was pre-selected by the Liberals to run in her place, was not registered for the election by party headquarters.
Cr Wark said she extended her sympathies to Cr Bailey, a current Port Stephens councillor.
"I wish Matt the best for the future," she said.
Cr Wark's ticket also includes Milton Caine, who is running for lord mayor, and Andrew Weather stone.
In standing as an Independent, Cr Wark said she would bring "Liberal values" to the council chamber if re-elected and "work against the blatant disrespect we have experienced from the incumbent Labor majority".
"It is clear to me that the only way to deprive Labor and the Greens of a majority on council is for myself and the Our Newcastle Independents to both be elected in ward three," she said.
"I have fought hard, often by myself in council, to oppose the [basketball stadium] development on Wallarah and Blackley Ovals, as well as being the only ward three councillors to genuinely stand up for our community's efforts to rebuild Lambton Pool."
