The independent candidate has taken leave from the council to the contest the Victorian poll against Nationals incumbent Steph Ryan.

“I talked to one local bookie that put me at a million/1, I thought I was a 10/1 chance at the start and I do believe those odds are shortening,” Mr Firth said.

“That’s based on the support not only in Benalla, but further afield.”

Mr Firth, who will formally end his mayoralty when a vote for a new leader is held on November 14, is campaigning under the slogan Make Us Matter.

He says that reflects his belief that Euroa is ignored by major parties because it is a safe seat.

The electrical contractor was inspired by independent MPs Cathy McGowan (Indi MHR) and Suzanna Sheed (Shepparton MLA).

“I think I’m part of an independent movement and really happy to be part of it,” Mr Firth said.

He talked of running to Ms McGowan four months ago.

“She said ‘go for it’,” Mr Firth said.

When he became mayor he had no goal to be an MP.

“You then experience politicians both state and federal, either in opposition or government, and I could see what the good ones can do and what the ordinary ones don’t do,” Mr Firth said.

He nominates transport, education and health as concerns and supports the Border Rail Action Group’s train plan.

“If we get an hourly shuttle service, between Albury and Seymour to connect with metro services, I think that will suffice for the time being given we’ve been ignored for 100 years,” Mr Firth said.

The married father of two wants to see the final field before deciding preferences, but admits Labor will be ahead of the Nationals.

“It would be pretty silly giving them to my major opposition and that would be purely on what Jaclyn Symes has done,” Mr Firth said of the Labor Upper House MP who was raised in Benalla.

“She’s the hardest working politician I’ve seen.”