Scott Duvall's decision to run for the federal NDP nomination on Hamilton Mountain so soon after being re-elected to city council is under fire by the person he wants to succeed - MP Chris Charlton.

Charlton, backing labour leader Bryan Adamczyk for the nomination, is questioning Duvall's move after he was re-elected to a third term as Ward 7 councillor on Oct. 27. Charlton announced she would not run in the 2015 election on Dec. 5.

"I really do think you know before you go in what the duration of a term is," Charlton said Monday, shortly after Duvall announced his intentions and she tweeted congratulations to Coun. Sam Merulla for deciding not to run and living up to his municipal election commitment.

Duvall defended his move when he made his announcement before about 30 supporters at the Sackville Hill Seniors Centre.

"The opportunity was not there and I've been encouraged since Chris's announcement on a daily basis at the special events that I (attend) to put my name forward for the nomination," Duvall said.

Charlton said there "was no secret there was going to be a federal election in 2015."

"So, if Scott, had had aspirations to run federally, you think he would have known that before last October."

Duvall is following in the footsteps of other councillors who sought office federally and provincially over the last decade, though maybe not as soon after the municipal election.

Former Dundas councillor Russ Powers was three months into his term when he announced in February 2004 he would seek the Liberal nomination in Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale. He won and taxpayers spent $35,000 for a byelection (it is now estimated to cost $85,000).

Duvall admitted councillors fulfil their term before seeking higher office, but he noted the experience of other councillors "who had the opportunity and were encouraged to go forward for another seat that has become available."

This also includes councillors Tom Jackson and Brad Clark, who were unsuccessful, and Andrea Horwath, who is now Ontario NDP leader.

Told about Charlton's tweet, he said, "I will certainly be talking to Chris about that. Chris has known for a couple of weeks now about my intentions and I've always had a great relationship with her."

Both Duvall and Charlton noted the matter is not settled yet.

"I'm not saying we're moving on yet," said Duvall. "Right now, we're just applying for the nomination. I'm not saying I'm going to be getting it."

Charlton is expecting a "lively nomination race" and added, "I don't think it's a forgone conclusion that Scott will win that nomination."

Duvall, 58, is the former president of Local 5328 of the United Steelworkers. He has been councillor for the city's most populous ward since 2006.

Adamczyk could not be reached for comment.

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He has not yet made an announcement, but Charlton said he "is actively campaigning for the nomination."

The United Steelworkers staff representative ran for the NDP on Hamilton Mountain in the 2007 provincial election.

Duvall is being supported by Hamilton Mountain MPP Monique Taylor, Darren Green, president of the Steelworkers area council, and Tony DePaulo, district director for the Steelworkers and a former NDP candidate.