TAUNTON Town Council elected a Mayor and Deputy Mayor at its first meeting this week.

The 20 councillors met on Tuesday, May 16, when Cllr Nick O’Donnell was elected town Mayor, while Vanessa Garside became Deputy Chair/Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Tom Deakin has been elected leader of the council, while Cllr Martin Strauss will be the deputy.

This is the first time in half a century the county town has its own council.

The Lib Dem party won 19 of the 20 seats, with just one Conservative councillor elected in the council’s first election on Thursday, May 4.

After the results were announced, Cllr Tom Deakin (Obridge), said: “We’re the only party that took this election really seriously.

“Voters responded to our ambitious and positive plan, rooted in our values, to champion the future of our county town.

“People in Taunton are willing to trust the Liberal Democrats to deliver and have put faith in us.

“Tomorrow, we get down to work as the new team that works for you, the people of Taunton.”