The leader of Hartlepool Borough Council is bidding to become the town's first elected mayor in May.
Councillor Arthur Preece has been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the May 2 poll.
He heads a Liberal Democrat and Conservative alliance, which took control from Labour on Hartlepool council in 2000, after they had controlled the council for 22 years.
He said: "The election result was a message from the voters that Liberal Democrats and Conservatives should work together to provide an alternative to Labour. That is why our joint administration was formed.
"Both parties recognised ideological differences must be set aside and we have tried throughout to do what is best for Hartlepool."
Coun Preece also said he would not accept a high salary for doing the job of elected mayor.
Hartlepool businessman Leo Gillen has been chosen as Labour's candidate. Stephen Close, a borough councillor, was voted in as the Conservative candidate.
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