Anna Speedie facing challenge from John Watson in Wodonga mayoral race

The veteran councillor, who was re-elected for another term a week ago and served as mayor for two years more than a decade ago, has the backing of three newly elected representatives if he decides to stand.

Cr Watson didn’t return calls to The Border Mail on Sunday.

He is understood to be weighing up whether he decides to challenge Cr Speedie, who has already indicated she wanted to remain in the top job after being mayor for the final year of the former council.

Cr Speedie topped the primary vote to win a third term on council despite being handed a tough draw near the bottom of the ballot order.

But she has the backing of only two colleagues in the mayoral battle _ Kat Bennett and Danny Lowe.

Cr Watson was part of the first council elected after the commissioners era in 1997 and remained on council until 2004 when he departed for business opportunities.

Mayoral elections will also be held in other North-East councils this week with Moira Shire also conducting its vote on Monday night.

Yarrawonga-based Cr Peter Mansfield has confirmed he will be a contender.

“2017 will be a crucial year for Yarrawonga with council not giving up on having the green route chosen for the new bridge,” he said.

Towong Shire, which didn’t require an election, will select its mayor on Tuesday.

The shire’s mayor since 2014, Cr David Wortmann, said he would be standing again.

Alpine Shire will also vote on its mayor on Tuesday with the most recent mayor, Cr Ron Janas, topping the poll at the recent election.

Wangaratta will elect its first mayor since 2013 on Thursday with former mayor Ken Clarke, Dean Rees, Dave Fuller and Harry Bussell touted as leaders.

Indigo Shire will also vote on its mayor on Thursday night with three confirmed contenders, Cr James Trenery, Cr Bernard Gaffney and Cr Jenny O’Connor.

Cr Trenery was mayor for the final year of the previous council and replaced Cr Gaffney, who did two years in the top job.

Cr O’Connor said she was hopeful of gaining the required support to become mayor.

“I think the election of both Di Shepheard and Sophie Price and the return of Barb Murdoch has shown there is is a really strong push for progressive voices on Indigo Council,” she said.