The Tasmanian Electoral Commission undertook the countback of preferences from the October local government elections on Monday, following the resignation of Bass Greens MHA Andrea Dawkins from the council.

Ms Dawkins was elected to the parliamentary role following the resignation of Greens leader Kim Booth in May.

Nine previous candidates nominated to be in the recount, with the final count finding just a 12-vote difference between Ms Stojansek and Krista Preece.

Ms Stojansek said she was ‘‘pleasantly surprised’’ to have been elected and ‘‘very excited’’ to be taking on the role, saying the timing was probably better now than at the time of the elections – a short time after the death of her husband, deputy mayor Jeremy Ball last September.

‘‘I feel I’m in a better place,’’ Ms Stojansek said.

‘‘I’ve got a lot of passion [for council issues] and obviously we [Jeremy and I] worked together very much and I’ve really missed it.

‘‘I’ve kept abreast of what’s happening with various things – the City Heart Project etcetera, but I’ve missed being involved and I’m really keen to get back involved again.’’

The election of Ms Stojansek was a fate of sorts, with Mr Booth previously encouraging Mr Ball to run, who in turn supported Ms Dawkins to do the same, and now her election to Parliament had opened the door for herself to join the council.

Ms Stojansek said she already had good relationships with a number of the aldermen and was keen to build on those, as well as focus her interests in building community, health and food.

Mayor Albert van Zetten has congratulated Ms Stojansek and said she would be a great asset to the council.

He said in coming days they would announce the details of the swearing-in and robing ceremony.