THERE was a changing of the guard at Bude Stratton Town Council last Thursday when a new town mayor and deputy mayor were elected.

The full council met in the Parkhouse Centre, Bude, for the annual meeting which brought the end to the council year and Cllr Partridge's reign as mayor.

Opening proceedings, Cllr Partridge spoke of an interesting and challenging year, which had brought both rewarding and unpleasant moments, given that the council had been without a clerk or deputy clerk for the majority of it.

He added: "I'd like to thank all staff for their commitment to the council and big thanks to Cllr Lea Deely for being the most supportive deputy I could ask for."

The election of Cllr Partridge's successor was next on the agenda with Cllr Deely receiving the only nomination for the position, which she duly accepted.

She said: "Thank you for electing me, I do accept. I hope that this year we can have more agreements and fewer disagreements.

"I apologise now if I bring the council into disrepute at anytime. What you see is what you get, take it or leave it. That's my remarks, make of them what you will."

No sooner had Cllr Partridge left the 'hot seat', than he was somewhat put straight back into it, receiving the only nomination for the election of the new deputy mayor — a position that was to a degree reluctantly accepted.

Cllr Partridge said: "I accept the position as deputy mayor for now. However, I would only stand in office for however long it takes for Bude and Stratton Town Council to get a new clerk and then stand down."

The results mean that, at least for the time being, there has been an exchange of roles involving Cllr Deely and Cllr Partridge, who will continue to work in partnership to push Bude forward.