Prominent Whitehaven businessman Charles Maudling has failed in a bid to become the town's mayor.

Mr Maudling who had been deputy mayor before the elections had been nominated to chair the newly elected town council by Coun Julie Rayson but nobody seconded the nomination.

Instead former mayor Coun Brian O'Kane has been re-elected to the role. His deputy will be businesswoman Carla Arrighi, herself newly elected to the body in this month's elections.

She had previously been a town councillor but had stepped down in 2017.

Coun O'Kane said: "Obviously I'm delighted to be able to take on the responsibility of the council.

"I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to Graham Roberts and Charley Maudling for all their hard work last year."

Speaking of Mr Maudling's failed bid, Coun O'Kane added: "From my point of view it's a shame. It's no reflection on Charley.

"The difficulty is not who's doing it but the council has an extremely busy year ahead."

Ms Arrighi said: "I'm very, very pleased to be back on Whitehaven Town Council. It was me who brought it about early doors, I got all the signatures. That fact that I had to leave was just a shame. I really hope I can bring something to the town."

Retiring mayor Graham Roberts said: "I think Brian is excellent. It's an excellent choice. With Carla as his deputy, it's a great team. I think they will be brilliant and will do a lot of great work for the town."

Coun Maudling could not be contacted for comment.