Youngest ever Mayor of Seaton thanks supporters as he steps down from the role

Seaton's youngest ever mayor has thanked all those who have supported him after stepping down from the role last night.

Cllr Dan Ledger was elected the town's youngest ever mayor at just 30 last year, but did not seek re-election to the post at last night's annual general meeting of Seaton Town Council. Cllr Amrik Singh was elected his successor.

Cllr Ledger said he hopes to place more focus on his work at East Devon District Council, where he represents the Seaton ward and is portfolio holder for strategic planning.

Posting on Facebook, he wrote: "I wanted to write a short message to thank everyone for the past year. It's been nothing short of an absolute honour to be mayor of this amazing town!

"I haven't sought re-election so that I can give more focus and attention to my work on the district council, especially the monumental task of starting to finally develop our own social housing again for the first time in nearly two decades!

"I'd like to thank the council staff, my deputy chair/mayor Cllr Kenneth Beer, as well as all the other councillors for their support, input and help over the past 12 months, it's been invaluable.

"Finally and most importantly, I'd like to congratulate Cllr Amrik Singh on becoming the town's new mayor and Cllr Marcus Hartnell on becoming the deputy mayor for the next year. With these two at the helm, I know the town is in safe hands!"

He said: "Having lived in Seaton for 30 years, I am honoured to have been elected as the next Mayor of Seaton and chair of Seaton Town Council and would like to thank my fellow councillors for placing their trust in me.

"I have been involved in various voluntary roles in Seaton over many years, in particular as chair of the Seaton Martial Arts Centre.

"I am committed to carrying out this new role to the best of my ability and, with the support of the Deputy Mayor, my fellow councillors and the great staff at Seaton Town Council, we will continue improving the town for those who live, work and visit here.

"Current town council projects, that I am particularly excited about this year, are the Seaton Summer Celebration in Cliff Field Gardens to mark the HM Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Seaton Summer Beach School for local children, completion of the town's sensory garden in Seafield Gardens, the ongoing work with Youth Genesis and helping visitors to the area find out everything East Devon has to offer through the newly opened Seaton Tourist Information Centre on the seafront.

"My motto is very simple, 'If you want something to happen, make it happen'. This can be done if we all work together and strive for the best for the community as a whole.

"I look forward to meeting lots more residents and visitors during my year as Mayor and, please, do say hello and introduce yourselves, when you see me out and about."

Cllr Marcus Hartnell was elected deputy mayor. Having lived in Seaton all his life and running the local post office, he represents Seaton and all three levels of local government - town, district and county.