A FORMER mayor ousted from his position has branded the decision ‘pure political spite’.

At Darwen Town Council's annual general meeting Labour member Cllr Brian Taylor was removed from his role, which was non-political.

Liberal Democrat councillor Roy Davies was elected and became mayor for the next 12 months.

This comes as the Lib Dems and the Conservative Party formed an alliance following the recent by-election which saw Labour lose its majority.

Cllr Paul Browne, who represents Sudell Ward, said the move was ‘payback’ for the Labour group going back on an agreement in 2015 for the 2016 mayor to be given to a Lib Dem councillor.

However Cllr Taylor, who had a year left of his tenure, said such agreement never existed.

Cllr Taylor said: “It was a shock, I am very disappointed.

“They have devalued the position of Darwen town mayor by using this as a political football.

“That agreement was never the case.

“The Labour group did not see it coming at all.

“I’m deeply saddened, but that is democracy and I have to accept the vote.”

Cllr Davies was on leave and unavailable to comment.

During the meeting, Cllr Kevin Connor was elected deputy chairman.

The Labour group suffered a double blow recently after two seats, previously held by Cllr John Roberts, who died earlier this year, and Paul O’Garr were taken by the Tories.

Cllr Browne said: “I’m chuffed because this was how it should have been in the first place.”

The council is now made up of five Labour councillors, with four Lib Dems and four Conservatives.

Cllr Jane Oates, who represents Sudell Ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council and attended the meeting, said: “If Roy Davies accepts those chains he’ll be about as entitled to wear them as I am.

“Brian Taylor is still mayor of Darwen in my eyes.”