Felicity-Ann Lewis, Mayor of the City of Marion in Adelaide, South Australia, will replace Genia McCaffery as the head of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) according to an announcement released by the peak body.

ALGA said that that Ms Lewis will fill the role of president until a formal vote is held at its annual general meeting in November.

Ms Lewis’ appointment comes after Ms McCaffery decided not to stand in last Saturday’s NSW local government elections.

The popular and outspoken advocate for local government has said she intends to retire from Council after four terms and 17 years as the Mayor of North Sydney.

Ms McCaffery has held the role of ALGA president since November 2010, while Ms Lewis has been ALGA vice-president during this time.

Following Ms McCaffery’s advocacy for constitutional recognition of local government, ALGA has indicated it will continue to push for a referendum on the issue from her successor.

"I am looking forward to working with all sides of politics to progress our proposal for constitutional recognition of local government," Mayor Lewis said.