Brightlingsea’s mayor for 2023/24 has been confirmed as Ric Morgan, who takes over from Mick Barry.

It’s the second time Mr Morgan has headed Brightlingsea Town Council – he was mayor in 1994/95 when the town was at the heart of protests over live animal exports.

Mr Morgan, who stood as a Conservative in the recent town council elections, was installed at the council’s annual meeting on May 18. Fellow Conservative John Carr has been chosen as deputy mayor.

The new mayor says his goal is to make people feel more connected with the decisions being made around the town and welcomes public questions and scrutiny.

The town council now has 12 members who have all been elected – in recent years the numbers had to be made up with co-opted members.