'BETRAYED' is the word former mayor of Ringwood Danny Cracknell uses to describe how he has been treated by some of his fellow councillors since recovering from cancer.

In a secret ballot, Michael Thierry was voted to serve a second year as town mayor at Ringwood town council's annual meeting on May 26.

Mr Cracknell, who was elected as the first mayor in 2000, stood down in 2003 after being diagnosed with cancer.

He claims Mr Thierry, his former deputy, had offered to "keep the seat warm for one year".

Following his recent recovery, Mr Cracknell made the decision to stand in opposition to Mr Thierry, claiming he was asked to do so by fellow councillors.

Minutes before the election, a cloud was cast over proceedings when Mr Cracknell read a statement telling members he felt "deeply hurt".

He said: "Last year, I was made to feel very humble by the very kind comments made by councillors at mayor-making. As you know, I had had an operation and was not able to speak very well, although I still had full possession of my wisdom and memory.

"But all of you were right - I needed to rest and recuperate, without worrying about the work involved with being mayor.

"I was very grateful to Mr Thierry for offering to take on the role of mayor." The tone changed, however, as Mr Cracknell accused Mr Thierry of "canvassing for support".

He said: "As I have recovered from my illness, councillors have asked me to stand for mayor again. I am now sorry that the mayor is canvassing for support for re-election - contrary to what he had said last year."

He concluded: "The game of politics appears to have reared its ugly head."

Mr Cracknell served the town council as chairman between 1996 and 1999. It was in the millennium year that Mr Cracknell became the town's first mayor and he served a full three-year term before standing down at last year's elections.

Prior to the annual meeting, a private meeting for all councillors was held in the town council offices. Mr Thierry made no response to Mr Cracknell's remarks at the meeting, nor afterwards.

After the meeting, he said: "I am delighted to be re-elected mayor."

He then went on to talk about the year ahead, which he said would bring three developments - the Waitrose extension, the Trinity Church Hall extension and a new health centre building, all of which would have an impact on the town.

"I think the major impact of the next year will be the extension of Waitrose," said Mr Thierry.

"Community-wise, the new medical centre building at The Close will provide much improved facilities for the people of Ringwood.

"This is one of the reasons we have, as a town council, made Carvers Field available for a temporary health centre, as we recognise the fundamental importance of the health centre, and therefore the town council is supporting absolutely the new practice."