CALNE'S new mayor, Tony Trotman, vowed he would not stand for in-fighting in the town council after the mayoral reception was tainted with party political rivalry.

The town council is divided between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, who have a majority. Both parties offered candidates for the post of deputy mayor, which the Lib Dem candidate councillor Carol O' Gorman won after a vote that mirrored party lines.

Later in the evening Conservative councillor Roy Golding said he hoped the Lib Dem members' attendance record improves this year, claiming that last year their representatives went to only 29 per cent of possible meetings.

Coun Trotman, who is the most experienced member of the council, which has 12 new representatives, said: "I honestly believe that when members get together in council meetings they will each act for the good of the town.

"Whether they follow party politics or not won't be a requirement. It's about getting the best decision for the future of the town. I believe the deputies will act in accordance with how they feel.

"It's no good shouting at each other. We are all independent people put here by Calne, who want to do good for the town, so I won't stand for any in-fighting at all. I won't allow that to happen."

After a short acceptance speech at the reception, which was held in the town hall on Monday in front of a packed audience, Coun Trotman declared his chosen charity for the year would be Calne Heritage Centre Trust.