The mayor of Tamworth believes independent MP Tony Windsor would face a tough fight if Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce was to contest his seat at the next federal election.
Tamworth Regional Council lies in the heart of Mr Windsor's northern NSW electorate of New England.
Mr Windsor, a former National Party member turned independent, holds the seat by a comfortable 21.5 per cent margin.
But Tamworth Mayor Col Murray, who is not politically aligned, said it would be an even-money contest as Mr Windsor vied for a fifth term as the area's federal MP.
"I'm not a betting man but I do imagine the odds will be very close," he told AAP on Tuesday.
"It would suggest it would be the toughest contest Tony has had to date."
Still, Mr Murray says Mr Windsor is well respected in the conservative-leaning electorate despite his support for a minority Labor government and action on climate change.
"Tony Windsor is a popular member and has been in the past," he said.
"Tony works very hard. Tony Windsor is just a pleasant, good bloke.
"I don't think he'll have to do anything different."
Mr Murray, who runs a cattle and goat farm in the town of Bendemeer northwest of Tamworth, said he welcomed competition from Senator Joyce, who grew up in the area but now lives in the southern Queensland town of St George.
"It will be good for politics in New England to have a serious challenge and some competition."
