USUALLY the behind the scenes discussions about the new mayor are fairly sedate affairs.

As a rule the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats in Winchester try to alternate the first citizen role.

But a row has broken over next year's deputy mayor, who will become mayor in 2018.

Cllr Jamie Scott had put his name in the hat but he was beaten in a ballot by Cllr Frank Pearson.

However, Cllr Pearson has already been mayor recently, as he held the role from 2012 to 2013.

Cllr Scott, who was a former Conservative councillor believes that he could be being “punished” for switching to the Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Pearson will be the deputy mayor from May, and Cllr David McLean will serve as mayor taking over from Cllr Jane Rutter.

Cllr Scott said: “They are making it political, putting it into their greedy bank that I left the Conservatives to go to the Liberal Democrats a few years ago, but my ward voted me in twice.

“There is a principle here in political circles, you win and lose votes, I do not mind losing against someone that has never done it before I would accept that. I am upset the way it went because Frank Pearson has done it before. I think he should have done the honourable thing and stepped down.”

"He should have stood aside and let someone else who threw themselves in the mix like me be mayor."

Frank Pearson declined to comment about Cllr Scott, however he spoke about being deputy mayor.

Cllr Pearson said: "Essentially I was asked to put my name forward, and I did and the council approved my submission which I am delighted about and incredibly honoured it is not normal for a mayor to do a second term."

"I am very much looking forward to it.Having done it once before I know what I'm in for."

A spokesman for Winchester City Council, said: "The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by full Council at the annual Council meeting, which will take place in May. There are no rules on who can be nominated for these offices."