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Maidstone councillors have appointed their "Mayor Select" who will take over the borough's foremost civic role from the present Mayor, Marion Ring, in May.
It is Cllr Fay Gooch.
Cllr Gooch sits as an Independent and has represented Barming and Teston Ward since 2008. She is the present deputy mayor
Her sponsors at last night's full council meeting were full of her praises.
Cllr Steve Munford (Ind) reassured the borough that "Fay has still got all her marbles."
He said she had an infectious enthusiasm and a great sense of fun.
He said: "She will make a fantastic ambassador for the council."
Cllr Malcolm McKay (Lab) agreed, saying: "She's the most cheerful councillor we have."
Members also elected the "Deputy Mayor Select" who is Cllr Bryan Vizzard.
Cllr Vizzard, a Liberal Democrat, has represented Heath Ward since 2008.
His sponsors also sang his praises.
Cllr Denise Joy (Lib Dem) said: "I know with (your wife) Carol my your side, you will be absolutely brilliant."
Cllr Munford said that Cllr Vizzard always remained calm, polite and friendly, even when political temperatures were rising. He said: "You are always a gentleman."
Both appointments were unanimous.
Though Cllr Vizzard wryly noted that whether he actually takes up the post will depend on the result of May's elections. Both he and Cllr Gooch will have to fight to retain their seats in May.
Maidstone council operates a rota system in its appointments to the civic offices. The job is offered to the councillor with the longest service who hasn't yet been mayor or deputy mayor.
There was also praise for the present Mayor who will be stepping down.
Because there were no elections last year, Cllr Ring has unusually stayed in the post for two years running, though Covid restrictions have seriously curtailed her ability to attend the normal number of functions.
Cllr John Perry (Con) humorously noted that few Maidstone councillors had ever been Mayor twice, but one that had was Andrew Broughton, the regicide who signed the death warrant for Charles 1 after the English Civil War and subsequently had to flee the country on the restoration of the monarchy.
