At a meeting held last night (23rd October) by Oakham Town Council, a new Mayor and Council Chairman was elected after Adam Lowe's decision to step back from the role. 

Cllr Paul Ainsley was put toward by Chris Nix, which was seconded by previous Mayor Cllr Lowe and a vote in favour of Cllr Ainsley cemented his new position as Major of Oakham and Chairman of the Town Council. 

Cllr Ainsley thanked Cllr Lowe for his hard work and dedication during his 14 years working for the council.  

As the new mayor, Ainsley pledged to behave in an open, honest and transparent way so his fellow councillors could work together to make Oakham a better place for all who live, work and visit the town. 

He then described Oakham as the jewel in the crown of Rutland and that it was time for Oakham to shine once again. 

During the meeting, Cllr Lowe gave a speech reflecting on his time as mayor and his involvement with Oakham Town Council for the last 14 years. 

"My decision to resign as Chairman of Oakham Town Council," said Lowe, "is simply a change of direction that allowed me to give time to a recent career move, working with another Town Council serving another community. 

"I joined Oakham Town Council in 2010. Looking back over the last 14 years, I have only happy memories. 

"To serve the Oakham Community for 14 years as a Councillor and to have raised or donated in excess £25,000 for various organisations and groups over that time has been the benchmark by which I judge my contribution. 

"My heartfelt sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to all the Councillors and staff I have had the pleasure of knowing and worked with at Oakham Town Council." 

Cllr Lowe is now focusing his career on his work at Uppingham Town Council. 

Cllr Ainsley has lived in Oakham for the last 20 year after serving in the RAF. As a previous County and Town Councillor, he says he cannot guarantee to make everyone happy but he will always act in the best interest of the residents of Oakham.