With Labor nominations closing this week, two current councillors – David Brown and Ann Martin – have confirmed they would like to run for the top job, along with former councillor Vicky King.

Their colleague Chris Connor, who was his party’s pick for the top job at the 2011 election, would only say he was still considering his options.

Labor has given those who wish to become candidates ahead of the September council election until this Friday to put up their hands.

Once nominations are received, branch members will vote for a single candidate for the Lord Mayor. Member votes are also used to decide the running order of Labor candidates in each of Wollongong’s three wards.

In addition to their bid for mayor, Crs Brown and Martin have also announced their intentions to run again as councillors.

Cr Connor said he would nominate as a Ward 3 (southern suburbs) councillor, as has long-serving northern suburbs representative Janice Kershaw.

In Shellharbour, where nominations are also open, mayor Marianne Saliba said she would be “definitely” looking to run again and hoped to be elected mayor. However, she noted Shellharbour residents were not yet able to elect their own city leader.

A referendum will be held alongside the Shellharbour ballot to ask residents if they wish to change the current system and have a popularly elected mayor. 

Liberal Party nominations closed in April, however the party is yet to make any announcements about its candidates.

It’s believed deputy lord mayor John Dorahy will be the party’s pick for mayor.