LYME’S new mayor Sally Holman said she is looking forward to the challenge of leading the new town council.

Coun Holman was voted as the town’s first citizen at the Annual Meeting last Wednesday, the first gathering of the new council since the May 5 elections.

Coun Daryl Turner, also one of the town’s two district councillors, was voted as deputy mayor.

The new mayor said she had no idea she would be elected and was thrilled with the confidence councillors have shown in her.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting to be elected. I had received some hints that I might be nominated two days before the meeting on Wednesday, but I wasn’t expecting the degree of support I received.

“I’m delighted that councillors have this confidence in me.”

This is the second time Coun Holman has been mayor after serving for two years from 2007 to 2009. She was nominated again in 2009 but beaten by just two votes by Coun Michaela Ellis, who has now completed her two years in office.

Coun Holman was the only candidate this year, nominated by Mark Gage and seconded by Lucy Campbell.

The mayor admitted leading the new council would be a challenge, but said she is not daunted by the prospect.

“I’m delighted that new people are on the council and to see some new faces which can bring new energy, a new outlook and new skills,” she said.

“The community voted for change from what I can see. I’m not daunted by the prospect but I know I’m taking on a challenge.”

Coun Holman said her number one priority is the long-term economic viability of the town.

She said: “It’s very much a team effort in that we represent the town, especially in the local area, and being mayor is an added responsibility for me.

“My emphasis has been on partnership working, with the town council taking a strong lead.”

Coun Holman’s sister Jane Whittington has once again agreed to be mayoress.

She will be officially installed as first citizen at the mayor making ceremony, which has been postponed from May 26 to June 23 because Coun Holman is away on holiday.

She will be supported by new deputy mayor Coun Turner, who was the only person nominated, put forward by Rikey Austin and seconded by Coun Holman.

“I worked very effectively with Daryl before and we intend to continue that,” said Coun Holman.

The council also elected chairmen of council committees last Wednesday.

There were no senior roles for outgoing mayor or outgoing deputy mayor Owen Lovell, who was replaced as chairman of the strategy and policy Committee by Coun Gage.

Lorna Jenkin was elected as chairman of the community development partnership committee and the tourism and advertising sub committee.

New councillor Anita Williams was voted as chairman of the planning committee.