THE election of Corangamite Shire's mayor had an unexpected twist yesterday.In a shock move, the man who looked set to challenge Cr Ruth Gstrein for the top job nominated his rival for the position.Cr Steve Cumming last week revealed to The Standard he wanted to be mayor within the next four years and strongly indicated he would contest the position at yesterday's election.He looked set to throw his hat in the ring, being the first councillor to submit a nomination.But his nomination was Cr Gstrein, who has been mayor for the past two years.Cr Gstrein had carried out her position to a high standard, Cr Cumming said."She feels she has a lot more to contribute and I will support her in continuing her role as mayor," he said.No other nominations were received, marking the second time Cr Gstrein was re-elected unopposed as mayor. She will serve a one-year term.Her re-election breaks a recent tradition in the council, whereby past mayors have held the job for two years.Cr Cumming did not rule out taking on the top job in the future and said he would still like to be mayor within his current term as a councillor."I am more than happy to take on the position when my fellow councillors see fit to put me there," he said.Cr Gstrein said her vision for the shire was to promote economic development."I feel Corangamite Shire and the south-west region as a whole is on the verge of something very exciting with the opening of the (Geelong) ring road," she said."The south-west and Corangamite should take advantage of this to encourage economic development. "Retaining and attracting business is the catalyst for growth in our shire. "It boosts our school numbers, health services and hopefully attracts more people to join voluntary organisations," Cr Gstrein said.