THE new mayor of Lyme Regis has described his election as ‘an honour of the greatest magnitude’ as he takes office for the next year.
Cllr David Ruffle was elected as mayor for first meeting of the new Lyme Regis Town Council.
He will be supported by Cllr Philip Evans as deputy mayor, who was also elected at the same meeting.
Cllr Ruffle joined the council in 2019 and is now serving his second five-year term as a town councillor.
He takes over as First Citizen from David Sarson, who stood down from the council at the end of the five-year administration and served as mayor for his final year.
Cllr Ruffle said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been elected as Mayor of Lyme Regis for the coming year.
“For me it's an honour of the greatest magnitude to be in a position to serve the town I love.
“Be assured I will be approachable and will do my utmost to act on residents’ concerns and issues.
“I look forward to working closely with Deputy Mayor, Councillor Philip Evans and drawing on his vast experience in civic matters.”
Cllr Evans said: “I am proud to have been elected Deputy Mayor, 41 years after I last held the position prior to becoming the town’s youngest mayor at the age of 34 in 1984.
“I will do my best to support the newly-elected mayor, Cllr David Ruffle, to ensure he enjoys his year as Lyme’s First Citizen and will work tirelessly rebuild the council’s reputation so badly dented in recent times.”
Cllr Ruffle and Cllr Evans took office immediately at the meeting on Wednesday 15 May but the traditional mayor-making ceremony will take place on Wednesday 12 June.