THE way Newport’s deputy mayor is chosen will change, councillors decided.

Under the previous Conservative- Liberal Democrat coalition the role was given to the council member who had served the longest time, who would then take on the post of mayor the following year.

But the ruling Labour administration put forward plans to revert to an earlier policy, which allowed the mayor to choose their own deputy.

Speaking at last Tuesday’s AGM, council leader Bob Bright said they wanted to make the change because it was difficult for people who worked to commit to two years. But Tory councillor David Fouweather said members of his party were against the move.

He said: “We felt it gave the deputy mayor the training to be the mayor. It wasn’t about who your pals are and who you want to give the job to.”

Cllr Bright defended the proposal saying: “It’s not about who your pals are. The commitment of two years is difficult for people in employment.

“By choosing your deputy mayor it gives the opportunity to experience the civic office and I hope in future we will see some younger people in the position.”

The deputymayor attends functions and events on behalf of the mayor but does not receive invitations directly.

Like the mayoralty it is a nonpolitical post and the council says the new system would resolve any complications arising from the deputy mayor being a part of the cabinet.

Themove, which will come into force next year after new mayor Cllr John Guy and his deputy Cllr Cliff Suller have served their term, was passed with a majority vote in favour.