Cr Rufo’s name was drawn from a box after a six-all deadlock in the ballot between Cr Rufo and Greens councillor Michael Osborne. 

The independent councillor has typically voted with the Liberal majority since the 2012 election. 

Cr Rufo is the third deputy mayor for Newcastle this year, with Liberal Brad Luke and Labor’s Stephanie Posniak also serving. 

Another ballot for the deputy lord mayor position will held in February after the Ward 3 by-election.