Cr Bourke topped the poll when he headed a ticket at the Bathurst Regional Council election in 2017 and was the only lead candidate to have their number two elected, handing Jacqui Rudge her spot in the chamber.

But even given his popularity he is taking a huge risk this time round in giving up the number one position to Mr Muir, who does not enjoy anything like the public profile of Cr Bourke.

But Cr Bourke said Mr Muir was a standout candidate who he believed would bring a lot to the council and he was hopeful they would both be elected.

"My time on council is coming to an end and I always said in my last term I would be trying to get someone on council with me," he said.

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"Jeff will be a good councillor if he gets elected and I think people will look at where I am on the ballot paper and either want me or not want me back on council.

"It's been a tough four years for me but I will leave it up to the community to go one way or the other."

Cr Bourke said he only known Mr Muir for a couple of years but was confident he would be a good addition to the council, if elected.

"Jeff has worked as an accountant, is involved with two businesses in town (Piccolo's and Pear Tree Wholefoods) and is president of the Bathurst Rotary Club but I think he needs a bit of help to get elected," he said.

"It's all about being part of a team for me. If I can get another councillor on then that would be good.

"I've had plenty of people telling me they think [running at number two] is a good idea but also some others saying 'why would you do that?'."

Mr Muir also believed there was a good chance both he and Cr Bourke could make it onto council.

"Bobby has a very strong profile and a loyal following," he said.

Mr Muir said he would be running on a platform of zero rates increase ("though I don't think we'll get it through") and more parking at the hospital by taking over an "unused" section of Victoria Park running along Mitre Street.

He also supported plans to upgrade Hereford Street to ease congestion during the morning and afternoon peaks.

Nominations for the December 4 election close on Wednesday (November 3) with a ballot draw to be held on Thursday.

The Bathurst ballot paper will feature the largest field of candidates in recent memory with at least 60 names in the running, with most running on tickets.

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