ELECTING a mayor for Kingsteignton proved a controversial move when a bid was made for the sitting mayor to serve an unprecedented third term.

Retired police officer Cllr Keith Howard has held the position for two years and was nominated to serve a further year in office.

But during a secret ballot of fellow town councillors, he was defeated and education expert Cllr John Foxwell was voted in.

Before the vote, deputy mayor Cllr Rob Harris nominated Cllr Howard, admitting his proposal may be 'shocking'.