As the Witness goes to print Mr Ingram has 1462 first preference votes, with Wendy Tuckerman (1215) and John Walker (1173) the next best.

Hilltops Councillor elect Brian Ingram says he is humbled by the support of the community.

"I am humbled that I've put myself out to the community and they have shown faith in me," he said.

"I am especially pleased with the large number of first preference votes that I have received and I know the community will be looking to me to show the enthusiasm, passion and commitment for the job that I promised leading up to the election.

"I would like to congratulate the other candidates as it is a big responsibility to put yourself up for public election. The way the other candidates have conducted themselves is to be applauded.

"From the early polls it looks like we will have a positive cohesive council going forward, one that will unite the three towns as one coherent council."

The NSW electoral commission says we may not have a definitive result until Wednesday or Thursday this week.

Once pre-poll and election day votes have been counted postal votes will be counted.

Interestingly, Shooters Party candidate for the seat of Cootamundra Matthew Stadtmiller may have to rely on preference votes to get a seat on the Hilltops Council.

As we go to press the count stands at;