THE Mayor has become the first councillor to be hit with deselection this year ahead of May's all-out council election.

Cllr Geoff Settle, who is also a Poulton North Labour councillor, confirmed he was told of the decision by party chiefs before the turn of the year.

However, he made the announcement at Poulton North's Labour meeting last night, Monday.

The 62-year-old believes the decision to deselect him was down to 'an inference' on 'one particular question' during the selection process but said it was 'nothing bad'.

He added: "I could have appealed the decision and I think I would have got in.

"I did think about it but I realised it would put a great demand on me.

"But it sparked a thought process for me – I am getting old now and it is a critical point in time.

"I have not got that extra capacity and it is time to step aside and let someone younger come in."

Cllr Settle will complete his year with the ceremonial chains and as ward councillor before shifting more of his attention to charity work after May – six years after first being elected.

He currently holds a number of roles outside his political capacity including chairman of the Blind Society, deputy chairman of Warrington Community Transport and director of the Mersey Forest Steering Group.

"They have been taking more of my time and more time will be devoted to that," he said.

"It is challenging for the council as there is less money for it but it is also getting more difficult for charities as they are receiving less money."

Cllr Settle has enjoyed serving his residents but he admits the year as Mayor is always set to stick with him.

He added: "The learning process of how to become a councillor does take time.

"It is about establishing contacts, meeting people and understanding the roles.

"But providing support is party of my nature – I was an IT professional and was required to offer 24-7 support.

"It has been fantastic being Mayor and the mayoress has really enjoyed it too – we have been made very welcome.

"I was not fully sure about the role of the Mayor before but we have saw the importance of it."