A NEW mayor of Malvern has been elected for the first time in two years.

Cllr Nick Houghton, who represents the town’s Chase ward, was elected mayor of Malvern at the first town council meeting to be held in person for more than a year.

He takes over from Cllr Neil Morton, who has spent the last two years as town mayor, defeating Cllr David Watkins who had put himself forward for the role.

Cllr Morton was elected mayor of Malvern in 2019 but stayed on after town councillors agreed last April to extend all appointments ue to the coronavirus pandemic.

Putting himself forward for the role of mayor at the town council meeting, Cllr Houghton said: “I think the mayor should be confident, able to express opinions and be prepared to be challenged.

“They should respect everyone’s views.

“There are a number of areas where we can make a difference and I have chosen three that I would like us to work on - improving people’s health and wellbeing, promote the business centre and develop the skills of young people.”

Cllr Houghton said he would like to promote Malvern as much as possible, especially to tourists and encourage more people to take staycations in the town as a way of supporting local businesses, as well as help a local literacy charity.

He added that he would continue to support the redevelopment of the town’s Victoria Park.

“I really want to champion the fact that we do need to redevelop Victoria Park,” he said.

“I know people have worked really hard on the different scenarios.

“They are all valid and I look forward to working with everyone to bring that forward.”

Chairing his last meeting as mayor, Cllr Morton said: “It’s been really difficult. I thought the first year was a bit of a breeze because we could meet and that was great.

"But the last 12 months have not been easy and looking at the way other councils have operated online, I think we have been a shining example and most of that credit is due to yourselves and not to me.

“From my point of view, thank you very much, it has been an interesting two years.”

Cllr Clive Hooper will serve as deputy mayor, taking over from Cllr Lynne Lambeth after he was elected at the town council’s annual meeting on Wednesday.