Candidate Ross Thompson has described Cr Toole and Deputy Mayor Ian North’s strategy as “not in the best interests of the Bathurst region”. However, Cr Toole has revealed that within the last month or so he was approached by Mr Thompson, who indicated he would like to be number two or three on his ticket.

“I know Ross Thompson was also in discussion with other candidates about forming a ticket,” Cr Toole said.

“This now sounds very much like sour grapes to me.

Mr Thompson confirmed he had spoken with the Mayor about being his running mate.

“Six weeks ago I did speak with Paul about the possibility of running a ticket,” Mr Thompson said.

“It is the timing of the ticket, and not the fact that he is running one, that is my concern.

“I knew tickets were a possibility, but I don’t see why they put them up at the 11th hour.”

Mr Thompson described Crs North and Toole as “our two most senior civic leaders”.

“They are great servants of Bathurst but I think we are entitled to expect a little more openness from these two.

“Nominating teams at the last minute doesn’t look good.

“I actually like both of them very much and they’ve played within the letter of the law but I question whether they’ve acted in the spirit of it,” Mr Thompson said.

He said he does not feel that he will be disadvantaged by not being part of a ticket.

“The thinking voter will number one to nine below the line,” he said.

“This issue doesn’t need to be a major election topic.

“Let’s just get on with the job and have some fun.”

Cr Toole said the idea of putting together a ticket was one he had been contemplating for a number of weeks.

“I have chosen a group of people I believe are the best for Bathurst,” he said.

“They have fresh ideas and something to offer to the community.