Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle could secure a voting majority at Town Hall and a small business owner lose his seat, following an order to recount almost 74,000 votes cast in the municipal election.
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There has been debate about how to fill an 11th spot on the council after An Indigenous Voice candidate Brooke Wandin was forced to resign just days after the election when it was revealed she did not live within the City of Melbourne.
On Monday, Justice Greg Garde declared Ms Wandin not duly elected and ordered a recount.
Ms Wandin was on a ticket with former executive director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Nic Frances Gilley.
The decision has prompted speculation within the council that the recount could see Cr Doyle's five-person team win another seat on council, along with Mr Gilley.
There are also reports the win could come at the expense of Michael Caiafa, a Queen Victoria Market trader elected to council on the back of a campaign against the council's $250 million market revamp.
Mr Caiafa said he was closely following the proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
"I have a fair level of support from the Melbourne community. They just think it's unfair and they think I should be able to serve," he said.
If another Doyle team member is elected it is likely to be former deputy mayor Susan Riley. She did not return calls on Monday.
Another former Melbourne councillor, Crikey founder Stephen Mayne, believes he would also be in line to be re-elected if the entire Wandin ticket was "struck out" on the basis that it takes at least two people to form a ticket, and after Wandin was declared invalid only Mr Gilley remained.
If the Doyle team was to gain a 6-5 majority it would mean the council would be unable to vote on issues where the lord mayor had a contact of interest.
Local government expert, Associate Professor Ken Coghill, said "if the lord mayor is smart he will seek to maintain a consensus on council and will not ride rough shot over the views and interest of the minority".
Deputy lord mayor Arron Wood said it was too early to comment on the outcome of recount. "Until the recount is complete we can only talk in theoretical exercises," he said.
The recount is due to be finished by Wednesday.
