Long-serving councillor Bobby Bourke and Alex Christian, who was elected in 2017, both ran as solo candidates and between them have attracted less than 1000 first preference votes.

Warren Aubin ran as the lead candidate for Group L, but as of Monday afternoon was placed ninth out of the 12 groups on the ballot paper.

While preferences still need to be taken into account, it appears likely that the three won't be re-elected.

Jacqui Rudge also won't be re-elected to council, as she is the third candidate on Jess Jennings' ticket.

Mr Christian said he had expected this outcome for himself after seeing 68 candidates and 12 groups on the ballot paper.

"The days of a solo candidate are over. I don't think you can be successful as a solo candidate against so many teams," he said.

Despite this, he stands by his decision to run alone, saying it was "a matter of principle".

Although he wanted to be re-elected, Mr Christian said he wasn't devastated with the result as he had achieved what he set out to do at the last election.

He wished the new councillors, whoever they end up being, all the best for the new term.

"Have courage and stand by your decisions. Don't be intimidated by minorities, just stand strong, be honest, and stand by your convictions," he said.

At this stage, he has no interest in running for council at the next election in 2023.

As of Monday afternoon, first-time candidate Ben Fry was leading.

Candidates need to have one quota, which is a percentage of the overall formal votes, to be elected and Mr Fry has 1.84 quotas.

That puts Mr Fry in a prime position to bring the second member of his team, Kirralee Burke, onto council with him.

Robert 'Stumpy' Taylor's team has 1.8 quotas and could also have a second member of his team elected.

Incumbent Ian North, who has been mayor since July, is the only other candidate to reach the quota so far, with 1.01.

He has confirmed that he will put his hand up for mayor again if he is re-elected.

He already shares the record for most terms as Bathurst's deputy mayor, with he and Dick Locke both having 11 to their names.

Mr Christian said Mr North should be returned as mayor, saying the long-serving councillor is "by far the most qualified" person for the job.

While it appears certain that Mr Fry, Mr Taylor and Mr North will be elected, who will join them is far from decided.

As of Monday, the order of the groups was Marg Hogan (Group E), Jess Jennings (Group H), Graeme Hanger (Group F), John Fry (Group B), Nick Packham (Group G), Warren Aubin (Group L), Stuart Pearson (Group D), Geoff Fry (Group J) and Bob Singleton (Group K).

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