HARWICH has had to choose a new mayor after the councillor due to take over the job failed to win his seat at the election.

Robert Day, former Conservative councillor for Harwich East Central ward, has spent the past year as deputy mayor.

Town tradition meant he would have become mayor at the official ceremony on May 28.

But on Friday he lost his seat – and also failed to gain a place on Tendring Council for the same ward – leaving Harwich without a mayor.

Robert Day lost out in his town council seat to Labour councillor Dave McLeod – by just 13 votes.

And Mr McLeod will now also be taking on the role of mayor for 2015.

It will be his fifth time as Harwich mayor – having already served in 1998, 2002, 2007 and 2013.