Newbury's new mayor is selected

Newbury town councillors unanimously voted for Liberal Democrat member for Pyle Hill, Arthur Johnson to become mayor of Newbury in 2012/13 at a full council meeting at the town hall on Wednesday night.
The outgoing mayor, Jeff Beck (Con, Clay Hill) will hand over the reins to his successor at the official mayor making ceremony at the Corn Exchange, Market Place, Newbury, on Sunday, May 20 at 10am.
Mr Johnson, who will become the 416th mayor of the town when he is sworn in at the mayor making event, said: “I was surprised to be nominated but I’m really excited and proud.
“It’s daunting and it’s going to be a challenge, but I love a challenge.
“I have gained great experience as deputy mayor this year, so I’ll be looking to take that forward as mayor.”
Anthony Pick (Con, St Johns) was unanimously voted for as deputy mayor elect at the same meeting on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Julian Swift-Hook (Lib Dem, Pyle Hill) was re-elected leader of the council and David Allen (Lib Dem, Victoria) was re-elected as deputy leader.
All Liberal Democrat members voted in favour of the nominations for leader and deputy leader, while all Conservative councillors abstained from voting.