At the most recent annual council meeting, Bude-Stratton Town Council welcomed a new mayor.

The election of a new mayor and deputy mayor for the 2023/24 period was on the agenda and with one advanced nomination received, Councillor Michael Dawe was appointed to the role.

Cllr Dawe will be taking over the role from Cllr Amanda Tame, who has been acting as Mayor for the last year.

Speaking about her time in the role, Cllr Tame said: “Being mayor for the last two years of the town where I’ve grown up has been a real honour.

“The community spirit here is still incredibly strong as COVID-times proved, it’s a truly wonderful place to call home.”

Cllr Tame believes Cllr Dawe will be a “wonderful advocate for the community”.

She said: “I’d like to wish Cllr Dawe all the best in his new role, I know he will listen to our residents and be a wonderful advocate for the community.”

The new mayor has expressed his gratitude to Cllr Tame for her “exemplary service to the community”.

“I’m honoured to have been given this opportunity to serve as Mayor of Bude-Stratton,” said Cllr Dawe. “I believe that the key to success is open communication and collaboration. I look forward to working closely with my fellow Councillors, staff, and residents to ensure that our voices are heard in a meaningful and respectful way.”

During the meeting, Cllr Phillippa Purchase was also appointed as deputy mayor.

A council spokesperson said: “Cllr Purchase will continue to serve as joint lead councillor for environment and biodiversity and joint lead councillor for climate change. Her experience in these areas will be invaluable in helping the council to achieve its environmental goals.”

As part of the meeting, the new mayor also signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The spokesperson added: “The signing of the covenant is a significant gesture of respect and gratitude towards the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, and the Council is proud to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to supporting this community.”