 The Torbay area has an annual budget of �150m |
As many as 20 people are expected to compete for the post of south Devon's new elected mayor. The resort of Torbay voted in July to become the first authority in the South West to be led by a US-style directly-elected mayor.
Senior Liberal Democrat councillors are thought to be interested, as well as local businessmen.
The election will be held in October, and candidates have until 23 September to put themselves forward.
Interested parties
Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Lomas said he was seriously thinking about it, and fellow Lib-Dem Roger Stringer is another potential candidate.
Former Conservative councillor James O'Dwyer and hotelier John Wilbraham have declared their intention to stand as independents.
Other prominent local people whose names have been mentioned are Conservative councillor Nick Bye, business leader Gordon Oliver and former journalist Nick Pannell.
As well as these interested parties, Sammy the Seagull has also joined the race.
Sammy hopes to follow the success of Hartlepool United mascot H'angus who became mayor of Hartlepool in 2002.
The post is expected to pay about �60,000 a year for an area which has an annual budget of �150m.
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