Monday's Mayor mking ceremony in the town hall was the first in living memory without the retiring deputy mayor being present.
When Marian Hannaford Dobson was elected deputy mayor a year ago she was due, under the council rules of that time, to be made mayor this week.
But Coun Hannaford Dobson and her husband Stewart - the longest serving town councillor with almost 40 years' service - were not at Monday's ceremony when Coun Peggy Dow was installed as mayor for the second year running.
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But the couple say they did not snub the event but were expecting to have to rush to Bath where Mrs Hannaford Dobson's daughter is expecting a baby.
Two of their Conservative colleagues, former mayor Robin Notton and Margaret Rose, also stayed away.
A fifth councillor who missed the ceremony was Coun Anthony Spranger, who sent his apologies because he was on holiday. The elections last May saw six new members join the 16-seat council plus the re-election of Coun Notton and Coun Rose who had served previously but taken a break of some years.
Some of the new faction took the view that old antagonistic habits for which the council had become known in recent years had to be changed.
They forced through a vote changing the old system where the deputy mayor was automatically elected as the new mayor.
The final straw for some was a successful planning application by Coun Dobson and Coun Hannaford Dobson to build a home in part of their large garden in Cross Lane.
After the mayoral selection earlier this year Coun Alexander Kirk Wilson said: "We must strive to unite and not divide and select a mayor who will do this."
On Monday, in front of a packed hall of invited guests, councillors made light of the rift. Coun Nick Fogg proposing Coun Dow's re-election as mayor said: "It is disappointing that certain councillors are not here today," adding: "I will say no more."
Seconding Coun Dow's nomination, Coun Andy Ross said: "In the last year you had to deal with many challenging situations."
There was a surprise for Coun Dow when her two macebearers, Bob Dobie and David Sherratt, appeared in brand new livery paid for Mr Sherratt, a retired schoolmaster.
Coun Dow said: "I had been told they would not be ready for tonight."
Coun Nick Fogg, whose wife Edwina is also a town councillor, was elected deputy mayor.
[quote][bold]Chris Randall[/bold] wrote:
I do not know any of the councillors but at face value it would seem rather dubious that married couples should both be elected at the same time.[/quote] Have a look at Devizes Town Council. There are 3 married couples out of 17 councillors. But it's never been a problem
Chris Randall wrote:
I do not know any of the councillors but at face value it would seem rather dubious that married couples should both be elected at the same time.
Have a look at Devizes Town Council. There are 3 married couples out of 17 councillors. But it's never been a problem
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