Lake Macquarie deputy mayor Christine Buckley will continue in the second in charge role until the delayed December council election.
Council was originally set to vote on a motion to elect a deputy mayor on September 13 in person at the council chambers. But an alternate motion was put up by councillor Adam Schultz for Cr Buckley to continue in the role.
In a lengthy and at times confusing debate over the matter at Monday's council meeting, an unsuccessful motion of dissent was put up, the mayor accidentally voted the wrong way before conducting a revote, various amendments were voted down and some were ruled out of order.
Eventually it was voted 7-6 for Cr Buckley to remain deputy mayor until the next election, even if polling day is again delayed.
The six Labor councillors and Liberal councillor Nick Jones wanted the deputy position to remain as is, with some arguing that meeting in person could put councillors and staff in "harm's way" and it was only an extension for 12 weeks.
But the remaining Liberals and Independents pushed for a remote vote to be held, saying it was an "issue of democracy" and that others wanted a turn in the role.
Councillor Kevin Baker said he believed it was "unlawful" and contrary to the Local Government Act to extend a deputy mayor position beyond the given period.
Council's CEO Morven Cameron disputed this and gave advice that it was not possible to hold a virtual ballot due to the timing and requirement for council to vote on a method of voting prior to the ballot.
Councillor Jason Pauling put up a motion of dissent against the mayor ruling that a virtual deputy mayor vote could not be held given the advice from Ms Cameron, but it was lost.
Another failed amendment also called for there to be no deputy mayor for the rest of the term.
The debate went on for more than an hour, with Cr Schultz in his final comments comparing the debate to "seagulls fighting over a hot chip".
