Derek Giles was named as the new mayor of St Neots at the town’s mayor-making ceremony on May 26.

Cllr Giles, who has previously served as mayor and deputy mayor for St Neots, made clear he intended to take a tough line with councillors after several verbal clashes in the council chamber in recent months.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be elected as mayor of St Neots again after a 20-year break, and I thank my fellow councillors for supporting me. I want to promote and encourage three aspects in this mayoral year: I intend to put people before politics in the council chamber and encourage healthy debate, but I will not allow any personal attacks.

“I look forward to promoting and supporting our town, its residents and its businesses and making it a town community that we are all proud to be a part of. I also look forward to holding many fund-raising events to support my chosen local charities.”

Cllr Giles will announce his chosen charities at a later date.

He was nominated by Cllr Juston Cooper-Marsh and the nomination was seconded by Cllr Keith Prentice.

Deputy mayor for the year ahead is Cllr Barry Chapman.