He said he was surprised that when Mr Yule announced he would stand for Tukituki that he did not say he would do both jobs if he gained the National seat.
He also speculated on this week's announcement that a referendum on Maori wards might be timed to coincide with a by-election.
"I get the feeling that this idea of having a referendum is a way to justify the cost of a by-election - we have got good Maori representation on this council, probably more than most councils - I can't see any reason why it's being brought up at this stage."
Part of his decision to stand last year was because he felt Mr Yule did not have what it takes.
"The electorate obviously felt otherwise - I enjoyed the campaign last year and thought it went reasonably well, but it came in at a huge cost in money and time and was hard on my clients. I've tried it once and got it out of my system."
After being defeated in last year's local elections, councillor Adrienne Pierce said that at this stage she was undecided but probably not.
"Who knows what way it's going to go at this stage."
Councillor Bayden Barber this week indicated he was "seriously considering" standing, and fellow councillors Damon Harvey and Kevin Watkins said they were undecided.
One councillor, Simon Nixon, said he was thinking about it, having decided not to stand at last year's elections for fear of splitting the vote further.
"Some people are desperate to become mayor for recognition or money but that's not on my agenda.
"I think there needs to be some changes in the direction Hastings is taking - I'm concerned that some of the people who have already voiced an interest will be more of the same.
"It's more about what can be achieved for Hastings as an area and not what the individual can achieve."
He added that he felt Hastings did not need people who would make a lifetime career out of being mayor.
"While it's good to have the stability of someone being in the role for some time, it needs to be refreshed as well."
For other councillors the prospect was a definite "no".
Councillor Malcolm Dixon said the role was a fulltime commitment and not for him.
"People don't realise how onerous it is - you're on call 24/7 at my stage of life I do not need to do that."
Looking after the rural ward that she represented was enough for councillor Tania Kerr to be satisfied with the status quo, and newly elected councillor Ann Redstone said she would like to have more experience on council before putting her hand up for the top job.
Councillor George Lyons said he had no mayoral aspirations, and councillor Rod Heaps said that while he had considered it he decided not to run.
Similarly councillor Jacoby Poulain said the prospect was unlikely.
"I value my role as a councillor and intend to continue to fulfil this role into the future, as well as pursuing other opportunities to best serve the community, region and beyond," she said.
Councillor Henare O'Keefe said he was satisfied with the status-quo in his position as "ambassador for Hastings".
First-term councillor Geraldine Travers was emphatic about her decision not to stand, despite people asking her if she had considered it.
The long-time Hastings Girls High School principal, who leaves that role this year, said that while she had loved most aspects of her education career, there was five per cent that had not appealed - the schmoozing.
"I see being mayor as 95 per cent schmoozing. I love getting the work done and I am there to support the voters in whoever they decide they want to have who will have my full support - I'm a team person."
Another name to crop up in recent weeks was Kevin Atkinson, who resigned as chairman of Unison Networks in July.
He said he had been approached, but was unsure if he could commit to six years, a time-frame he believed the role deserved.