Dave Macpherson has withdrawn from the mayoral race and has endorsed Ewan Wilson in his bid for the top job.
Mr Macpherson said his decision was a practical one. "If I wanted a change in council leadership, the reality was that Ewan was in by far the best position to deliver that in the mayoral race. His policies are closer to mine by far than the current Mayor's, and have become closer during the campaign. I am confident that, if I and other progressive candidates are elected, he will hold to those policies."
Incumbent Julie Hardaker slammed the move as "making a mockery of the election process".
"These two are showing their true colours by this announcement and the political game playing that has been their mode of operation on the council, " said Ms Hardaker. "I feel it is disrespectful to the Hamilton public. I am confident Hamilton voters will see it for what it is and reject this type of behaviour, the councils of the past have been full of it and Hamilton deserves better."
The mayoral race has seen voters divided on the issue of water meters. Ms Hardaker has said water metering is an issue that council needs to consider while Mr Wilson advocates upgrading the water infrastructure and educating the public about conservation.