Online mayor making sees Wisbech gain its first ever Eastern European born mayor
Wisbech has a new mayor following a ceremony that scored a double first and saw Aigars Balsevics take over the chain of office.
He becomes the first Eastern European-born person to hold the prestigious title, and he was sworn in at the annual meeting of Wisbech Town Council, which for the first time was held online, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
He was proposed by Councillor Susan Wallwork and seconded by Councillor David Topgood,with a majority vote in favour, which then saw Coun Balsevics take the oath of office.
He said: "I, Aigars Balsevics, having been elected to the office of Town Mayor of Wisbech, declare, that I take that office upon myself, and will duly and faithfully fulfil the duties of it, according to the best of my judgment and ability.”
Mayor Balsevics continued: “I am deeply conscious of the honour that my fellow Town Councillors have paid me in electing me to serve as chairman and mayor. It will be my endeavour to give my undivided loyalty to Wisbech Town Council, and to the town of Wisbech, ‘Capital of the Fens’, throughout this municipal year. Thank you."
However, the moment was slightly tarnished when outgoing mayor Councillor Michael Hill announced he was defecting from the Conservative party to join the council's independent councillors.
In a speech, during which he outlined what he achieved during his year in office, including attending 114 civic events and travelling over 3,640 miles to represent the town as mayor, he said: "I have not been very happy for a time. Some councillors are trying to run the council their way. I am not a yes man, I am a man with my own mind and will not be told what to do or how to vote or not to vote."
He said he had been a Conservative councillor for 17 years but new he has left his mayoral he would be crossing to the other side of chamber to become an independent.
Afterwards the meeting continued without further comment on his decision to switch sides and Councillor Andrew Lynn was then nominated for the role of deputy mayor by Councillor Sam Hoy, which was seconded by Councillor Ben Prest and again saw a majority vote in favour.
Both men had earlier had their photos taken in their official regalia in anticipation of them being officially elected to the roles. As the former deputy mayor Coun Balsevics was expected to step up into the role of mayor, and Coun Lynn had previously been suggested for the role of deputy.
Social distancing rules meant that instead of the outgoing mayor handing over the chain of office Coun Balsevics was helped into his robes by partner Veronica Luko, while Coun Lynn's wife Rima did the honours for him.
After the meeting Councillor Garry Tibbs expressed his surprise at Councillor Hill's decision to leave the Conservatives he said: "It seems strange that Michael has resigned given that up until last week he still wanted to stay on as mayor for six months, but was not allowed to. Perhaps that caused his sudden change of mind."
