TRURO city councillors have elected Cllr Chris Wells as their new mayor and chairman.

Outgoing mayor Cllr Carol Swain oversaw a secret ballot in the council chamber in Boscawen Street. Cllr Wells (Conservative) lost his seat on Cornwall Council earlier this month, in a three-way contest with the Liberal Democrats and Reform. He was proposed for the position of mayor by Cllr Lorrie Eathorne-Gibbons and seconded by Cllr Steven Webb.

This is Cllr Well’s first time serving as mayor. “It’s an office I’ve delayed for many years – around 30 – because I was not prepared to do it unless it was done properly,” he said. “I can now give the time it deserves.

“I thank those who supported me this evening. I hope I can live up to expectations, and that I will be able to work amicably with you all, whatever angle you come from.

“My priorities will be the growth of community groups, which are very important to the city, and the concerns of young people.”

Former deputy mayor Cllr Sam Rabey was proposed and seconded by councillors Bert Biscoe and David Sunderhauf. The meeting followed news that Cllr Rabey had been banned from the city’s cathedral and its grounds due to safeguarding concerns.

Cllr Biscoe congratulated Cllr Wells on his successful election, and proposed thanks to Cllr Swain, her mayoress Cllr Sarah Douglas-Martin, and Cllr Rabey, adding: “He has my commiserations on not winning the vote, and I hope he will put himself forward to be mayor of Truro as he should be able to do.”

Cllr Loic Rich was elected deputy mayor. “Truro has some really big challenges coming up which will require a big commitment from the mayor, and he will need a lot of support,” he said.

A civic ceremony to confirm the positions will be held on June 9.