Maurice Collison has been re-elected as Upper Hunter Shire Mayor following a three way secret ballot this morning.
Councillors Collison, George Fraser and Allison McPhee all put their hands up for the role.
Councillor McPhee was eliminated in the first round of voting after picking up just two votes.
Councillor Collison gained four and Councillor Fraser three.
In the second round Councillor Collison received six votes and Councillor Fraser three.
Councillor Peter McGill put forward a motion to restrict the Deputy Mayor’s role to one year instead of the previous term.
The motion was defeated six votes to three with Councillors McPhee and Sheilds speaking against it.
Three councillors also put their names forward to become Deputy Mayor, Adam Williamson, Pat Ryan and Peter McGill.
Councillor Williamson was eliminated in the first round. His name was drawn out of the box after a three way tie.
One of two Merriwa Councillors, Pat Ryan was then elected as Deputy Mayor six votes to three.
