Machynlleth Town Council has welcomed a new mayor and deputy mayor.

During the annual general meeting on 24 May, Machynlleth Town Council voted for the next mayor and deputy mayor.

Cllr Richie Gaskell was replaced by Cllr Tony Jones, who served as deputy mayor alongside Cllr Gaskell, as mayor, after he was put forward as the only nomination.

Cllr Jeremy Paige was voted in as deputy mayor after receiving six votes, beating out Cllr Ann MacGarry who received four votes.

Cllr Gaskell said: “What a year – I have had a lot of help this year and I mean a lot of help.

“I would like to thank everybody; I would like to thank the deputy mayor, he has been brilliant. I would like to thank the staff of the Plas, Julie Humphreys and all the others. I would like to thank Cllr MacGarry, without Ann, I don’t know what we would have done.

“I would like to thank everybody for backing me and I hope we have a better year next year than this year.”

Incoming mayor Cllr Tony Jones said: “This is the fourth time I’ve taken this chair, it’s a great privilege and honour to be serving the town as well. I hope I do a better job than last time.

“Every time I become mayor, we don’t have a clerk. But I hope we soon will.”

Cllr Jones continued: “In such difficult times, I congratulate Cllr Gaskell on being a successful mayor. I congratulate Cllr Paige on being the deputy mayor as well.”

Cllr James Honeybill added: “As a councillor, I thank you for your support for us as well. It’s meant a lot.”

During the AGM, councillors decided membership of town council panels; the Budget Panel, Staffing Panel, Market Panel, Kennels Panel, Plas energy Panel, and the Climate Action Panel.

Councillors also decided council representation in outside groups, these were Dyfi Biosphere, One Voice Wales, Owain Glyndwr Centre Management Committee, SARPA and Railway Line Committee, Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Railway Line Committee and the Patients Forum, should remain the same.