He has also voiced his fears that party politics would play a role in the new make-up.

The mayor of the past five years lost out to former deputy mayor, Peter Walker, for the top job in a five to four vote last Tuesday.

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Taking to social media on Monday, Cr Kirk said he was disappointed in the outcome.

"Actually I'm more than disappointed - I'm insulted - not just personally, but for the wider community, who sent a very clear judgement on the leadership issue via the election process," he wrote.

"And after what I've learnt since last week's decision to replace me, I could head off on a real rant here - but that would just be sour grapes. So, in light of my clear, proven track record, and the strong community support at the election, you could well ask questions of your councillors for them to justify their choice, because there were absolutely no reasons for the change presented. If I hadn't been doing a good job, or there was a better person for the job, then I'd have to accept the decision, but I don't believe either to be the case."

Speaking to The Post, Cr Kirk said he didn't think he had a mortgage on the role or that others didn't have a right to challenge, but the community had spoken. The former mayor topped the poll with 4000 first preference votes, more than twice that secured by the second placed candidate, Labor's Jason Shepherd.

"We had the biggest survey on who people wanted for proven leadership (part of his platform) and that apparently was not good enough," he said of the councillors' decision.

"...I don't believe for one minute that they went to that meeting (on Tuesday) undecided."

Cr Walker voted for himself and won support from newcomers Crs Steve Ruddell, Andy Wood, Jason Shepherd and councillor from the previous term, Andrew Banfield. Cr Kirk was backed by Crs Michael Prevedello, Carol James and Dan Strickland.

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Each mayoral candidate made a speech to the meeting, detailing their vision and agendas. Cr Kirk did not believe he had "blotted his copy book" in any way to justify his defeat.

He has also hinted that other factors were at play.

"I know that many of you worry that party politics and personal priorities can be put ahead of the community interests, and I share your concerns and fear for the consequences," he wrote.

Cr Jason Shepherd led a Labor Party ticket at the election, while Cr Andy Wood stood for The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party.

However the former mayor said he didn't have direct evidence of political interference in the mayoral vote. The two councillors have also rejected this.

Cr Kirk said while his comments would create "a fair gap" with some colleagues at the next council meeting, he wasn't the one who had "picked the fight."

"Looking backwards is not the way to go forward and I fully intend to move on. I will be the constructive bugger, not the obstructive one," he said.

Cr Walker told The Post that Cr Kirk was entitled to comment but he stood by his agenda, articulated at the meeting.

"I put up a platform of areas I wanted to look at or readdress and some councillors were of the opinion that was right, and others were in opposition," he said.

These included revisiting the Wakefield Park decision, construction of a community centre, re-establishing a relationship with Veolia after it withdrew a $2.5 million performing arts centre grant, and a permanent home for Riding for Disabled.

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He did not wish to comment in detail on Cr Kirk's claims and said he hadn't promised his supporters anything. Despite the differences, Cr Walker commended Cr Kirk on his past five years as mayor.

"I hope this doesn't influence our relationship. I believe I can work with Bob in future," he said.

Incoming councillor Andy Wood said while he believed Cr Kirk had done a great job, multiple factors influenced his support for Cr Walker.

"Bob has been a great mayor and together with the council, has achieved great things. But when he spoke to me on what he thought Goulburn Mulwaree needed, it was more of the same," he said.

"That's not what I was hearing from the community. There was a general mood for change."

He believed this was reflected in the election of five new councillors.

Cr Wood said he spoke to both Crs Kirk and Walker and what they were offering was "polar opposite."

He cited the controversial Wakefield Park decision as an example. The operators are appealing consent conditions issued in July.

"Bob was happy with the council decision but almost all of the town said they weren't. Peter said to me and in his speech on Tuesday that it wasn't too late to turn it around," Cr Wood said.

"There has already been discussion between the councillors about bringing the matter back for consideration."

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The council and raceway operators, Benalla Auto Group, are headed for a NSW Land and Environment Court hearing in March. Cr Wood said, like Cr Walker, he wanted to see fewer matters in court and more money spent on services.

He was also swayed by Cr Walker's preference to reinstate the Goulburn Rifle Range, something Cr Wood said his party wanted.

He told The Post he had consulted his party about the leadership to "gain some distance and perspective" but in the end he made up his own mind. He had made his selection before the meeting.

Meantime, Labor's Jason Shepherd said he made up his mind after Tuesday's speeches. He believed Cr Walker had articulated a vision, while Cr Kirk's was more about 'having the right' to the role.

He was swayed by Cr Walker's stances on Wakefield Park, the community centre and the need to prioritise a ring road around Goulburn and a second access for Run-O-Waters.

He was not overly surprised by the result and also cited the community mood for change, given the fresh faces.

"I spoke to both (candidates), those who supported me and people in the street. I took all that on board in my decision," he said.

Likewise, he also consulted his party but in the end "it came down to a personal decision."

Cr Shepherd rejected any suggestion of party influence in his decision making and pointed out that people who had never voted Labor in their lives had supported him.

"In the end, my decisions will be based on what's best for the community," he said.

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Crs Ruddell said he decided the matter before the meeting and had co-signed Cr Walker's nomination form. He is also a Wakefield Park supporter.

"It was nothing against Bob. I just thought a change of leadership might break things up. It doesn't hurt to do things differently...," he said.

Cr Banfield also said he made his choice on the night but also told The Post he had advised Cr Kirk that he'd be supporting Cr Walker.

He believed the former mayor's profile as leader had boosted his vote but past achievements were down to the entire former council.

"We worked extremely well together. We still can, but people will have different views on how that can be achieved. This is an opportunity to have a different outlook," Cr Banfield said.

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