A by-election for the coveted role of Melbourne's lord mayor will be held in May as the council looks to move forward from sexual misconduct allegations.
Robert Doyle quit the top job at town hall after three women made claims of sexual harassment and indecent assault.
He denies the allegations.
Local Government Minister Martin Pakula on Wednesday announced a May 12 by-election for the position.
Voting is compulsory for all people enrolled in the City of Melbourne and the by-election will be by post.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Nominations open on April 5 and close on April 10 and already there is growing speculation about who will run for mayor.
Provocative AFL Footy Show host Sam Newman has confirmed he intends to have a crack.
"I was asked to have a go at it ... (by) someone in the system," the 72-year-old told the Nine Network.
He invited anyone with accusations of inappropriate behaviour against him to come forward and he won't contest the by-election.
He further admitted that he's been called racist, sexist, homophobic, bigoted, and a white supremacist.
"This is not a popularity contest," Newman said of the lord mayoral poll.
"You don't have to be popular to be effective."
Other names being touted for the ballot paper are PR identity Ann Peacock, outgoing state Labor MP Jane Garrett and acting lord mayor Arron Wood.
Moreland City councillor Oscar Yildiz has indicated his intention to run.
Mr Doyle, 64, resigned the post in early February from hospital where he is suffering stress-related illness.
