Despite being the last to nominate for the position, Cr Geoff Kettle was elected to the position with a clear majority of five votes out of the possible nine votes.

Cr Bob Kirk was returned as Deputy Mayor unopposed.

The large gallery were forced to wait for the decision after a motion by Cr Margaret O’Neill to bring the election of the mayor forward lapsed for want of a seconder.

At approximately 6.45 Cr Geoff Peterson moved that the vote be done as a preferential ballot rather than a simple show of hands. After speakers for and against, that vote was carried 7-2 and preferential ballot papers were distributed but second and third preferences weren’t required with Cr Kettle achieving a simple majority and the result announced at around 7.05pm.

For further details on the election and comments from Cr Kettle, please read Friday’s Goulburn Post.