Cr Taylor, who is deputy mayor, has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time and will miss the election to concentrate on his health.

Close friend and planned running mate Jeff Whitton confirmed Cr Taylor, who has missed the last five council meetings, will not stand.

"He's got the same battle he had a couple of year's ago, this one's a tough one for him," Cr Whitton said.

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Prior to the diagnoses, Cr Taylor had signalled his intention to also stand for mayor.

"I've been deputy major seven times, I think I've served my apprenticeship," he said at the time, adding he had served as a deputy for four mayors.

Before his health deteriorated, Cr Taylor recently asked for council to investigate options to improve the Northern Distributor Roads intersection with Telopea Way. He was also an avid campaign for amenities in Robertson Park.

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"He's always been a fighter for social justices," Cr Whitton said.

Cr Taylor, 60, has served the community for over a third of his life after first gaining election in 1995.

"He asked me to pass on how grateful he is for the support of the community over the last three decades," Cr Whitton said.

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"His message to the community is when he beats this, there's always the next term.

"Friends are rallying around him but he's got a fight on his hands."

Self-employed and born and bred in Orange, Cr Taylor has two daughters and has previously described himself as a battler.

Cr Taylor's number two spot on Cr Whitton's ticket has been taken by seasoned campaigner Gail Copping.

"I was looking forward to running with him," Cr Whitton said.

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