Environment Canterbury might have to elect two new leaders when it holds its regular meeting in Christchurch on Thursday.
The Christchurch-based regional council will first have to decide whether to remove its current chairman, Sir Kerry Burke.
If it does, then it will elect a new chairman and a new deputy chairman following the resignation of Cr Jo Kane, who said she could no longer work with Sir Kerry.
The leadership vote follows a notice of motion last month from South Canterbury councillor Mark Oldfield, who wanted the issue of Sir Kerry's leadership placed on this month's agenda.
Sir Kerry was re-elected chairman of Environment Canterbury (ECan) after the 2007 local body elections.
Initially, he and Cr Alec Neil were tied with seven votes each, but South Canterbury councillor Bronwen Murray switched her vote to support Sir Kerry.
Since then, there has been dissatisfaction within the council, leading to this week's vote.
The leadership issue is at the top of items to be discussed.
The first vote will be whether or not to remove Sir Kerry as chairman.
A majority of eight votes is required to do so.
If the vote is tied 7-all, Sir Kerry will remain as chairman.
If he is removed, a new chairman will be elected.
Any candidate will need eight votes to be elected outright.
If there is a tie, the council can either draw lots to decide the winner or hold another vote.