The dynamics of Blacktown Council hang in the balance with Labor councillors close to retaining the balance of power.
With about 80 per cent of votes counted this morning, seven Labor councillors had been confirmed as elected.
As of this morning, four Liberal councillors had been elected to join the council and five independent candidates were in a battle for the remaining three positions.
Of those independents Colin Attwood is hoping for the remaining spot in Ward Two, which already has Labor’s Leo Kelly and Liberal councillor Len Robinson.
Mr Attwood, who was a councillor form 2000 to 2004, said he would be more likely to vote with Liberal councillors if elected.
‘‘I think the Libs are the best option,’’ he said.
‘‘Labor are not listening to the people; they’re not going around and having a cup of tea with the people.’’
Mr Attwood said Blacktown Council had been characterised by indecision and status quo for too long.
He pointed to the council’s work at Vardys Road, Seven Hills, to improve access to the public school, which he said took 11 years.
Mr Attwood is likely to join the council after he receives preferences from Cr Robinson.
Cr Allan Green is the most likely to join Ward One.
He is running as an independent but in previous years has aligned himself with Labor.
In Ward Three, independents Russ Dickens and Kathie Collins are in contention for one position.
Ms Collins is a Labor Party member and current councillor who was not re-endorsed to run as a party candidate.
She would be expected to vote closely with her Labor colleagues.
So with three positions in the balance, two candidates would be likely to align themselves with Liberal councillors, giving them seven votes.
The other two candidates would more likely to align with Labor, giving them the possibility of another one or two votes on top of the seven already confirmed in the 15-seat council.
Ward 1:
Confirmed: Jess Diaz (Liberal), Alan Pendleton (Labor).
Allan Green (independent) most likely to be elected.
Ward 2:
Confirmed: Leo Kelly (Labor), Len Robinson (Liberal).
Colin Attwood (independent) most likely to join him.
Ward 3:
Confirmed: Karlo Siljeg (Liberal), Susai Benjamin (Labor).
Russ Dickens (independent) and Kathie Collins (independent/Labor) are in contention for remaining position.
Ward 4:
Confirmed: Isabella White (Liberal), Stephen Bali (Labor) and Edmond Attala (Labor).
Ward 5:
Confirmed: Charlie Lowles (Labor), Tony Bleasdale (Labor) and Jacquiline Donaldson (Liberal).