A PROPOSED series of public meetings to hear residents views was outlined on Tuesday by Hindhead borough councillor David Harmer in his role as the new leader of Waverley Borough Council.

Taking over from Bernard Foulkes at the full council meeting, the newly-elected leader promised to ensure that Waverley is an "open and democratic" council.

But he warned that there was no "magic source of money" for the Tory-controlled council and asked his fellow councillors to remember that democracy was "not always about getting your own way".

Mr Harmer (60), who was elected as a borough councillor for Hindhead two years ago, has a long history in politics.

He was a Bedfordshire district councillor from 1967-73 and county councillor from 1970-73. He fought the Leeds South seat in the 1974 general election and was a one-time candidate for the National Referendum Party.

Mr Harmer outlined proposals in his speech on Tuesday for a series of public meetings across the borough to help with the development of the Community Strategy.

Adding that the meetings would help to "widen the basis" of public consultation, Mr Harmer said the proposals will go before a meeting of the executive committee next week.

Farnham and Bourne borough councillor Peter Burden was elected as deputy leader of the council.

Outgoing Waverley Mayor John Sandy passed over the official robes and mayoral chain to his deputy mayor Michael Goodridge, Conservative councillor for Godalming South East, who was elected the new mayor.

It was second time lucky for Mr Goodridge, who missed out on becoming mayor in 1992 to fellow borough councillor Denny Denningberg.

Mr Goodridge became a Waverley councillor in 1987 but lost his seat in 1995, although he successfully contested it and won in 1999.

Married to Hilary, Mr Goodridge has two sons and two stepsons.

Stating that his role as mayor was to be an "ambassador" of the council and its people, Mr Goodridge outlined some of his plans for the forthcoming year, including a clinic in the Mayor's Parlour on Monday for rural businesses affected by the foot-and-mouth crisis and support to businesses and schools.

Raising funds for charity is also high on Mr Goodridge's agenda - he has plans for a fundraising concert at the end of the year.

Brian Ellis, a Conservative borough councillor for Cranleigh West since 1995, was elected deputy mayor.