A NEW Mayor designate has been appointed for Malmesbury after a vote at yesterday’s town council meeting.

Cllr John Gundry was appointed as new mayor designate and is set to take over from current mayor Cllr Sue Poole at the end of her term.

The vote was close but Cllr Gundry came out ahead of current deputy mayor Cllr Kim Power by just six votes to five after being nominated and endorsed by Cllr Roger Budgen.

Cllr Budgen said that Cllr Gundry, who was mayor during 2013/2014, would provide the necessary leadership and experience to deal with the challenges in the coming year.

As well as the new mayor designate Cllr Wayne Jones was appointed as deputy mayor designate, beating Cllr Amanda Kettlety by the same margin of just six votes to five.

Candidates were gracious in both victory and defeat and many of the town council congratulated Cllr Gundry on his appointment.

These votes mean that the successful candidates can be confirmed if elected to the town council on May 7.

Several councillors were absent for the vote meaning the result could change in May but traditionally the mayor and deputy mayor designate are voted in.