Traditionally the deputy mayor steps up to the role of town Mayor unopposed and that tradition was upheld at a meeting of the full council on May 6 when Coun Cooper was put forward as the only nomination for the position.

Coun Poessl, who was nominated by Coun Brent Roach and seconded by Coun Grace Gorski, faced competition for the post of deputy mayor from Coun Stephanie Murray.

However following an open ballot Coun Poessl was voted in by nine votes to five.

Clerk to the town council Claire Binnington said: "Coun Cooper is mayor this year, it's his second time and he's been on the council for many years so he will bring a breadth of experience and we are looking forward to a good and successful council year.

"Coun Poessl is the deputy mayor and once again it's his second time around.

"He had a really good year when he was mayor and he will be a great support for Coun Cooper."

The new mayor will receive his chains of office at the town council's annual general meeting at the Council chamber of Driffield's Community Centre, Mill Street on May 13.

At the annual meeting Coun Poessl will also be inducted following his nomination.

Additionally community contribution awards will be presented to Les Pinkney, Barrie Kitching, Jacquie Lucas, Sidney Oxtoby, Jean Cousins and Alan Cousins who were all nominated by the public.

The town council also decided at this week's meeting which of its members will sit on each of its committees.

The authority divides its heavy workload across a number of committees, each with their own area of responsibility, some having the power to make their own decisions.

In most cases the committees, which cover such areas as planning, CCTV, and festivals, can make recommendations which are passed forward for discussion by all town councillors at the monthly full council meeting.
New mayor Coun Tony Cooper will be ex-officio on all committees, which means he has the right to sit on all of them with the exception of personnel and grievance.

sara.beach@yrnltd.co.uk