Former Country Liberals party (CLP) minister Mick Palmer has a clear lead over former Greens candidate Emma Young in a Darwin City Council by-election, with a majority of votes counted.

On Sunday morning, Mr Palmer was in the lead with 1,863 votes counted, Dr Emma Young had 1,210, and Melissa Reiter was in third with 1,001.

Mr Palmer says he wants to bring Darwin back as a "beautiful, tropical, capital city". ( Supplied: NTEC )

A formal result is not expected until Friday, but more than half the votes have been counted in the Lyons Ward by-election, which includes the suburbs of Fannie Bay, Parap, Stuart Park, Bayview and Woolner.

There were eight candidates ranging from a former police officer to Darwin's self-proclaimed Rubbish Warrior, Trevor Jenkins.

They campaigned on issues of city parking, anti-social behaviour, a dedicated shelter for homeless people and bringing more accountability to the council.

Mr Palmer, who is famous for once head-butting a reporter, was asked if he might take a swing again if elected.

Mr Palmer said, "probably not, I'm getting a bit old."

"I'm just a bit disappointed in the way the city looks, in parts it's an absolute disgrace and what made me motivated to stand was to bring Darwin back as a beautiful, tropical, capital city," he said.