CONSERVATIVE town councillor Paul Ursell has been elected Mayor of St Neots. The Eynesbury representative will take over the chains of office from fellow Tory, Councillor Pat Gregory, at the mayor-making ceremony on May 17, when the town s deputy mayor w

CONSERVATIVE town councillor Paul Ursell has been elected Mayor of St Neots.

The Eynesbury representative will take over the chains of office from fellow Tory, Councillor Pat Gregory, at the mayor-making ceremony on May 17, when the town's deputy mayor will also be chosen.

The result was not without controversy, as the current deputy mayor Councillor Derek Cooper was overlooked for the role.

Town clerk Philip Devonald confirmed Cllr Cooper lost out by one vote to his fellow party member, Cllr Ursell, who received nine votes.

After the meeting of the full town council last Wednesday, Cllr Cooper denied claims he had resigned as deputy with only three weeks remaining.

The decision follows last year's row when Conservative members walked out of the council chamber after Cllr Gregory was elected as mayor with support from the Liberal Democrats.

This led to protests from her then deputy, Councillor Paul Ursell.

Mayor-elect Paul Ursell said: "I am delighted at the prospect of becoming Mayor of St Neots.

"It's a great honour to represent our town and I look forward to a challenging and enjoyable year.

"Last year was last year and we want to move on with our lives.

"Derek was obviously disappointed but there is no automatic right for the deputy to become mayor.