A CENTURIES' old tradition has been blighted by councillors boycotting the new mayor's ceremony.

Labour councillors on Harwich Town Council have been slammed for not attending yesterday's mayor-making, which saw Dave Rutson take the role for the next year.

Almost half the members of the council were missing at the ceremony, which has been held in the town since 1604.

The row dates back to conflict over the Labour party's ten point plan for the town, parts of which Dave Rutson did not support.

Councillor Lawrie Payne (Labour), said: "I made my statement at the council meeting where I said I wouldn't be attending and wouldn't be giving my apologies.

"I didn't feel he represented the town well and he let the town down. I haven't changed my mind on that and I won't be attending."

Les Double (Labour), said he and Mr Payne were at a cabinet meeting for Tendring Council on the morning of the ceremony at the 1912 centre but he added: "He has not been a team player for Harwich.

"I am disappointed he came to be mayor of the town to uphold a 400-year-old tradition when he does not have the best interests of the town at heart."

Garry Calver (Labour) said: "I fully respect the ceremony of mayor-making but cannot bring myself to endorse this particular mayor."

Dave McLeod (Lab), the former mayor, officially handed over the role as part of the proceedings on the day.

Dressed in his red cloak and wearing the golden mayoral chain, Mr Rutson (Community Reps) told the Standard: "It's a proud day for anyone to be Mayor.

"My family have been in business in this town for 60 years and I believe it's part of the reward for people who have supported me and my family for those 60 years."

Speaking about the absent councillors, he added: "It's their choice, I don't want to get too tied up in it - it doesn't bother me.

"I'm not a political animal.

"I earned the respect of the people of this town and I can hold my head up high."

Speaking at the ceremony, Steven Henderson (Community Reps), leader of the town council, said the labour councillors should have put their differences aside to attend the tradition.

"Labour councillors decided to boycott today, so what? We can rise above their bitterness."

John Brown (Community Reps), the new deputy mayor, said he could not believe the animosity of some councillors.

"I don't think there is room for politics with local government. If we cannot work together as a body for the good of the town, should these people be councillors at all?"

Councillors absent due to prior personal commitments were Mick Gardner, (Community Reps) and Andy Morrison (Labour) and Ben Howlett (Conservative), who gave their apologies.

Annual traditions continued despite the absences when excited children gathered around the Guildhall in Church Street for the annual kitchel-throwing - sweet buns were thrown out of the window to them below.

2:21pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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