Labor's Rod Harding to take on Graham Quirk in Brisbane lord mayoral race

The man who would be Brisbane's lord mayor under Labor has officially been preselected by the party.

Rod Harding, 45, was formally endorsed as the man who will take on Graham Quirk at next year's election.

Mr Harding is set to launch his campaign on Tuesday morning.

The former senior Macquarie Bank manager, lawyer and keen triathlete was flagged as a likely candidate for Labor on March 1 when the party revealed he had the backing of left- and right-leaning factions and the seven sitting councillors.

Labor's would-be lord mayor Rod Harding.Credit: Michelle Smith

Only one other person formally nominated to the Labor party to enter the lord mayoral race, however it is understood environmentalist Peter Casey's bid could not proceed because he did not have the backing of two or more Labor councillors.

That result meant Labor rank and file members did not need to vote to elect the candidate.

Mr Harding told Fairfax Media last month that his top priorities would be improving the city's finances, delivering better basic services and boosting public transport.

Mr Harding was once touted as a possible challenger to Campbell Newman for the seat of Ashgrove, however only Kate Jones formally nominated.

"I love this city, I live here with my family but I think it could be better. I think there's some fundamental issues," he said.

"I don't have any political experience but I've got vast business experience. I think the skills that I've learnt and acquired during my business career will serve me very well in this role."

Mr Harding's first day as Labor's candidate has included numerous media interviews and a press conference to launch his campaign in front of a giant moving billboard at Greenslopes.

He is expected to attend his first council meeting at City Hall on Tuesday afternoon.