Former South Australian senator Rex Patrick will bid to become Adelaide's next lord mayor in the upcoming local government elections.
Mr Patrick, who finished his stint in the senate at the end of June, confirmed his decision to stand on Monday.
"Adelaide is a great city. I want it to be greater," he said.
"I want it to be better governed. I want it to have a plan that shows everyone where the city is headed and gives stakeholders certainty.
"I've decided to put my hand up to run for lord mayor."
Mr Patrick's candidacy will likely pit him against sitting Mayor Sandy Verschoor.
Reflecting recently on her four-year term, Ms Verschoor said elections were like a performance review.
"A time for people to assess if their expectations were met by those they voted in and for those seeking re-election," she said.
"It's a time to reflect and decide what are the opportunities and improvements in the next term."
Mr Patrick entered the senate in 2017 when he filled a casual vacancy following the resignation of Nick Xenophon.
He was originally a member of the Centre Alliance, leaving the party in August 2020 to sit as an independent.
He lost his seat in this year's federal election.
His bid for lord mayor was welcomed by SA Best MP Frank Pangallo who said Mr Patrick would bring leadership, stability and a fresh direction to the city.
"The Adelaide City Council has for years been mired in toxic factionalism, petty bickering and divisive personalities which have really held back its progress," Mr Pangallo said.
"Rex ticks a lot of boxes for this important role.
"He comes with no political baggage, he lives in the city and understands business.
"He has excellent leadership credentials and communication skills that will rebuild the fractured and dysfunctional mess we've observed in city hall."
Mr Patrick must nominate by September 6.
Voting in the council elections closes on November 10.
