Newcastle City Council Liberal candidate Brad Luke said yesterday the party believed that backing the incumbent was the best way to fend off charges from Labor and the Greens for the top civic job.

The Herald reported yesterday that a preference deal between independent Aaron Buman and the ALP would deliver Labor lord mayoral candidate Marilyn Eade a handy parcel of votes, helping to close Cr Tate's lead.

The Liberals are standing three candidates for Newcastle in ward two: Mr Luke, Don Harris and Sam Brearley.

Mr Luke said yesterday that Cr Tate had the experience, knowledge and passion to lead the city.

"What Newcastle needs is balanced, dependable representation," Mr Luke said.