Tasmania's Legislative Council will tomorrow elect a new president.
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It was poised to get its first non independent president with Labor member for Derwent Craig Farrell widely tipped to throw his hat in the ring for the president's job.
However, Mr Farrell was tight-lipped on Monday night about whether he would stand.
"I'd love the opportunity but it could be difficult as a party member," Mr Farrell said.
The 15 members of the Upper House will meet ahead of parliament resuming on Tuesday morning to vote for a replacement for former president Jim Wilkinson who has retired.
Mr Wilkinson, the former member for Nelson was president for six years from 2013.
It is a secret ballot and if Mr Farrell decides not to stand it will be a three-way contest.
He is believed to have discussed whether to contest the president's position with his Labor parliamentary colleagues on Monday.
It is believed Labor leader Rebecca White has left the decision up to Mr Farrell.
However, others believe Labor should not give up a vote on the floor and the opportunity to speak and lobby against the government's legislation.
As president he would only be able to use his casting vote if the numbers were tied seven all.
Labor currently has four members of the Upper House but the election of left leaning Meg Webb to replace Mr Wilkinson has increased the number of progressive members in the chamber.
Present and past members of the Upper House have told The Examiner and The Advocate that if he decided to stand Mr Farrell would have the numbers.
He is widely respected for his honesty and integrity.
Deputy president and independent member for Murchison, Ruth Forrest, will not stand for the position of president.
"I've decided not to," Ms Forrest said on Monday.
"I don't want to lose my vote or my voice.
"I think my constituents wouldn't be too happy if I stood."
Three members - all from northern Tasmania - have already announced they will seek the president's job.
Rosevears Independent member Kerry Finch was first to flag his intention to stand, followed by Mersey Independent Mike Gaffney and McIntyre Independent Tania Rattray.
Political observers say the race is too close to call.
The new president will get a pay rise and driver.
In other states, party members are elected president of the upper house.
In Victoria, earlier this month a Liberal was elected president.