STANTHORPE'S Bron Larner has withdrawn her mayoral candidacy, reducing the number of candidates to just three.

With the election just six weeks away, Ms Larner made the announcement on her social media page yesterday.

When asked why she was stepping down, Ms Larner declined to answer.

The Stanthorpe resident of 25 years announced she was having a tilt at the top job in November.

At the time she was the only woman in the running.

Since then several other candidates have stepped forward.

Ms Larner said she would continue to "promote debate and discussion on issues facing the Southern Downs".

She also confirmed she was not considering running as a council candidate, as she did in 2008.

When asked if she would comment on the election, Ms Larner said she had a lot of views, but wanted to see more policies from the other candidates before she commented.

Throughout her candidacy, the former university lecturer maintained a strong presence in the southern end of the shire - door knocking in Wallangarra and meeting residents in Jennings.

She also was a regular commentator on politics on the Stanthorpe and Southern Downs Politics page, a page on which she intends to continue sharing her thoughts.

Ms Larner's departure leaves serving Mayor Peter Blundell, Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley and former tourism manager Tracy Dobie in the running for mayor.

At the last election in 2012, there were eight candidates for mayor.

Of those eight candidates, only Peter Blundell has confirmed he will stand.