A battle could be looming for chairmanship of the Otago Regional Council.
Many councillors spoken to by the Otago Daily Times this week believe there could be at least two candidates vying for the top job left vacant by the retirement of Stephen Cairns.
Nine of the 11 councillors said they did not intend to stand for the chairmanship, including top-polling candidate Louise Croot.
Former deputy chairman Stephen Woodhead, who stood unopposed in the Molyneux constituency, and Cr Bryan Scott would not comment on what their intentions were for the first meeting of the new regional council next Wednesday, when councillors will elect a chairman and deputy chairman.
Cr Woodhead said yesterday when contacted there was much talking going on behind the scenes about the appointments, including who would chair committees.
However, there was no need for any public input into the process, he said.
Councillors would have an informal meeting off-site on Friday where discussions would be held in preparation for Wednesday's meeting.
The start of a new triennium also gave councillors a change to review committee structures and make changes if needed, Cr Woodhead said.
"I've been saying we should not just accept the status quo."
The council also needed to look forward to the future with some senior staff and councillors nearing retirement age, he said.
