Maitland councillor Philip Penfold will contest the state election as an independent candidate for the seat of Maitland.
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The decision comes after sitting Liberal MP Robyn Parker announced she would not recontest the seat.
Cr Penfold, who resigned from the Liberal Party about two years ago, flagged a potential campaign as an independent earlier this month.
On Friday he officially declared his candidacy online.
"Maitland deserves to be treated seriously," Cr Penfold wrote.
He will not step down from Maitland City Council.
The Newcastle Herald has reported Jenny Aitchison will stand for Labor and Newcastle councillor Lisa Tierney will seek the Liberal nomination.
Earlier this month, Cr Penfold ruled out rejoining the Liberal party for a tilt at the seat in March as the party “has some policies I can’t support”.