FRANCES Luxton has been chosen as mayor-elect of Okehampton for the coming year. Cllr Luxton will succeed Cllr Tony Leech who decided not to seek re-election after two years as mayor. Speaking at the annual town meeting on Monday night, Cllr Leech said he felt it was ?time to have a fresh face to take things forward?. He said: ?I have had a very enjoyable two years, it has been an absolute privilege.? Former mayor of Okehampton Jeffe Cunliffe rose to thank Cllr Leech and his wife Sue for the great service they had given the town in the past two years. ?I must say I think you have been the best mayor we have had for 30 years,? he declared. Cllr Luxton echoed those words, saying she had misgivings about following such a good ambassador for the town, but she would do her best to continue the work of the council. ?Tony has been absolutely fantastic,? she said. Cllr Luxton has been a member of the council for seven years, has served as deputy mayor and mayoress, and has previously chaired the council?s property committee. Mrs Luxton and husband Dudley can be spotted in the winners enclosure most years at Okehampton Show proudly showing their prize-winning cattle. They farm at Alfordon Farm, on the edge of Okehampton. Cllr Luxton will be confirmed as mayor and a deputy chosen at a future meeting of the town council.
