Jason Pauling to run for Lake Macquarie mayor in 2021 council election as Liberals welcome fresh face Jack Antcliff

The two-term West Ward councillor ran for the top job at the last election in 2016 and will vie for the position again, while also running as a ward candidate.

Cr Pauling will be in the running for the position against current Mayor Kay Fraser (Labor) and councillor Luke Cubis of the Lake Mac Independents group.

The Liberals will run a full contingent of 12 candidates at the December 4 election, led by Cr Pauling in West Ward, first term councillor Nick Jones in East Ward, and prominent local youth advocate Jack Antcliff, who will replace outgoing councillor Kevin Baker as the party's North Ward candidate.

Mr Antcliff, 25, is a former Lake Macquarie Young Citizen of the Year, has chaired the Lake Macquarie Youth Advisory Council, was a director of local business network Lake Macquarie Business from 2019-21 and was a member of the inaugural NSW Regional Youth Taskforce in 2019-20.

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"As a young person who has grown up in the Lake Macquarie area, I am determined to ensure those under the age of 25 are well-represented when it comes to local decisions," Mr Antcliff said.

"Having had the opportunity to participate in public life through the Lake Mac Youth Council, I am excited to be able to continue that advocacy at a broader level.

"I believe, as a city, we have a wonderful opportunity to further cement our reputation as leader when it comes to youth engagement."

Cr Pauling said the party was running on a "no fluff" platform of financial restraint; rates, roads and rubbish; policy reform to "return control to elected officials rather than bureaucrats" and increased accountability and transparency.

"The thing about this council is we'll waive through a $370 million budget in 10 seconds and debate back and forth over green bins," Cr Pauling.

First term Liberal councillor Kevin Baker had already confirmed before the candidate announcement that he would not recontest the upcoming election due to work and family commitments.

"This decision was reached after significant deliberation and reflection, and particularly takes into account my already high workload and charity work, and my family situation in caring for my son with a significant disability and medical conditions," Cr Baker said.

"Serving my community has been an honour and I would again like to thank the people of Lake Macquarie for allowing me to represent them."

However Cr Baker did not rule out another tilt at politics in the future, including at higher levels of government.

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