A NEW mayor and deputy are at the helm of Bude-Stratton Town Council following a recent council vote.

Following its annual council meeting, the body at the heart of Bude and Stratton’s local governance announced it has a new leader.

On May 7, Cllr Tony Gibbs was elected as mayor for Bude-Stratton Town Council and Cllr Katie Aulsberry-Vockins as deputy mayor for the forthcoming civic year.

Cllr Gibbs takes over from Cllr Mike Dawe, who has been mayor for the past year, after returning to the role following his first tenure in 2023. Meanwhile Cllr Aulsberry-Vockins is taking over from Cllr Viki Herbert-Coulson.

The mayor and deputy are elected annually by councillors and help represent the council at meetings, civic events and community occasions throughout the year.

Following the meeting, Cllr Gibbs has described the appoint as ‘a real honour’

He said: “It is a real honour to have been elected as mayor for Bude-Stratton Town Council. I’m looking forward to working with fellow councillors, council staff and our wider community to support the important work taking place across Bude and Stratton.”

On her appointment Cllr Aulsberry-Vockins, newly elected deputy mayor, said: “I’m very pleased to have been elected deputy mayor and look forward to supporting the mayor and representing our community in the year ahead.”

Following the election, the council has thanked those who are leaving the role for their dedication during their service within the role, while wishing the new mayor and deputy success during the coming year.

A spokesperson for Bude-Stratton Town Council added: “We wish them both every success in their roles over the coming year and look forward to supporting them as they represent our community.

“Bude-Stratton Town Council would also like to thank outgoing mayor Cllr Mike Dawe and outgoing deputy mayor Cllr Herbert-Coulson for their service and commitment over the past year.”