A NEW mayor took the helm in Marlow this week – as new leader and deputy leader roles were also announced.

Cllr Richard Scott was named the new mayor at Marlow Town Council’s annual general meeting on Tuesday while Cllr Bob Johnson became deputy mayor.

Former mayor Cllr Jocelyn Towns took on the newly created role of leader, which Cllr Scott said was an “important change” and the first in the structure of the council since 1974.

Outgoing mayor Chris Funnell became deputy leader and will support Cllr Towns in her work.

Cllr Scott said: “The prime role for the mayoral post has always been and will remain a civic one; however the workload of this role has increased exponentially in recent years, so the transfer of non-civic duties to a leader will help to balance the workload between mayor and leader for the benefit of the town and its residents.”

The role, which is in addition to the mayor’s position, will support the development and management of the town’s vision and strategy and manage further devolved services from the new Buckinghamshire Unitary Council after April 2020.

Cllr Scott presented outgoing mayor Cllr Funnell with his past mayor’s badge and thanked him for his work over the past 12 months.

Cllr Funnell, in turn, presented his partner Mia Frank with a bouquet to thank her for her support during his mayoral year.

Town clerk Hilary Martin received a bouquet for her work over the last year, and PA to the mayor Jan Bailey was presented with a bottle of champagne by the outgoing mayor.

Also present at the meeting were mayor of High Wycombe Cllr Sarfaraz Khan Raja and chairman of Wycombe District Council Cllr Tony Green.