THE new mayor of Whitehaven is “delighted” to have been given another term in office – after battling cancer the first time he held the role.

Chris Hayes was elected as the new mayor of Whitehaven, with Ray Gill as his deputy, at Whitehaven Town Council’s annual general meeting.

Cllr Hayes, who represents Kells on the town council, was elected mayor in 2021 but was diagnosed with bowel cancer months later.

He said: “It’s my way of being able to finish what I started. I’m delighted to be elected. I’ve been humbled by the messages of congratulations.”

At the meeting held on Thursday, Charles Maudling, who held the role of mayor for the previous year, said it had been a “real honour”. He said he had represented and “sold” Whitehaven to people all over the country.

Graham Roberts nominated Cllr Hayes to be this year’s mayor. The nomination was seconded by Johnnie Carr. No other nominations were received.

Cllr Hayes received nine votes and was elected mayor. Cllrs Edwin and Gemma Dinsdale abstained from voting.

Cllr Maudling, who did not seek re-election earlier this month, was applauded by members as he left the meeting and Cllr Hayes took over the role of chair.

Cllr Hayes then nominated Ray Gill for the role of deputy mayor. This was seconded by Johnnie Carr. No other nominations were received.

Cllr Gill also received nine votes. Cllrs Edwin and Gemma Dinsdale abstained from the vote.

Four new town councillors were also welcomed to their first meeting, following local elections held earlier this month.

The new councillors are: Robert White for Corkickle South, Alan Pearson for Whitehaven South, Ryan Taylor for Hillcrest and Alan Spedding for Corckickle North.