WHITEHILL town councillors this week voted to elect a leader.

The separation of the roles of the town mayor and town council chairman from that of town council leader has been considered by the council for some time.

By creating the role of leader, councillors want to give the town a solid figurehead, who can speak on local matters, while allowing the mayor/chairman to act as a neutral, apolitical figure.

Tony Muldoon, as the current town mayor and chairman of the council, is legally obliged to head full council meetings, but the change will mean his role will become a more clearly defined civic job.

Councillor Andy Tree said that, as a newcomer to the council, he saw the current format from an objective perspective, with "a fresh pair of eyes", and believed it was a great idea for the council.

For full story, see this week's Bordon Herald.