Nominations have closed for the Geelong Mayoral election, with16 people putting up their hands.

The position became vacant when Keith Fagg resigned, citing health issues.

He quit the job in August, just nine months into his four-year term.

One of those vying for the job is Paparazzo Darryn Lyons, who has returned to Geelong after living in London.

He says he has what it takes to lead the city.

“I’m a flamboyant personality, but I’m a doer, and I have been successful in business globally,” he said.

Mr Lyons has been living in Geelong for the last 18 months.

He had gone to London when he was aged in his 20s, and it is there he made a name for himself.

“I’m going to bring a lot to what I think this town needs, and a lot of it is going to be tough decisions, but decisions will be made.

“It’s (Geelong) had some pretty bad news with regards to the industries and we need to change, we need to be not living in the past.”

Local businesswoman Stephanie Asher has also entered the race.

She finished second to Mr Fagg in last year’s election.

“My approach will be absolutely to simply call it out, look at what behaviours we’re accepting and we’re not accepting,” she said.

Ken Jarvis is one of two former mayors to nominate.

“I’ve been there, done it before and I feel almost a civic responsibility to have another go,” he said.

He says he wants to see an end to negativity about the city.

“We are getting back to the stage where it was getting embarrassing to say you came from Geelong, which is wrong,” he said.

“We’ve got to change that brand.”

The by-election to fill the mayoral vacancy will be held on Saturday, November 23.