OKEHAMPTON?S long-serving mayor Cllr Christine Marsh announced at Monday?s annual town meeting her intention not to seek re-election to the post for the coming year.
Cllr Marsh said she had taken the decision as she thought that after five years it was time for someone else to be given a chance to take on the role.
Cllr Tony Leech was chosen as mayor-elect following a ballot at the town meeting.
Cllr Marsh said: ?I have enjoyed the last five years as mayor of the town.
?I would like to thank the council and the
people of the town for their support for the last five years.?
Cllr Leech paid tribute to the outgoing mayor.
?Christine has worked like a Trojan for this town. To follow her is almost impossible. We must say a very big thank you to her,? he said.
The mayor-elect said he had thought very carefully before deciding to stand this year, as he had to balance a demanding full-time job with the duties of the mayor.
However, he said he was committed to showing that a full-time job did not need to be an obstacle to holding the post of town mayor.
Cllr Leech was nominated for the mayorship along with Cllr Mike Davies, who was defeated in a ballot.
Cllr Charles Letchford and Cllr Frances Luxton were also nominated but declined to stand.
Cllr Marsh will continue as a town councillor. She is also Conservative county councillor for Okehampton.