In total, it is the fifth time that Mrs Matthews (74) has been at the helm of Swaffham Town Council as she was also mayor in 1989-90 and 1997-98.

Some, however, were not happy with the situation and a protest walkout by members of the public followed. One said the position of mayor should be above party politics (see Letters in today's Lynn News, page 14).

Last year's deputy mayor David Butters, who was due to be elected mayor under the council's standing orders, revealed that he would not be seeking the position because of poor health and his work as Swaffham Museum's chairman.

Clerk Richard Bishop said standing orders would have to be suspended so that nominations could be invited for mayor.

Two names were put forward – David Wickerson, who joined the council at last year's elections, was nominated by another new councillor, Pippa Wade, and Mrs Matthews by Sheila Lister.

After being elected by seven votes to five, Mrs Matthews said that when she was "plunged into being mayor" at short notice two years ago it took her several months to feel comfortable in the role again as things had changed since she was previously mayor.

She explained that she had not had the benefit of being deputy mayor the previous year to gain vital experience and hoped the next deputy would have a full term so that he or she could take over "fairly effortlessly".

Mrs Matthews, who is also the town's county councillor and a Breckland councillor, said: "I hope that the deputy mayor will not fall at the last fence, as the last three have, and that normal service will be resumed."

Mr Butters said he had enjoyed his time as deputy mayor but had realised that, with his poor health, he could not be both mayor and chairman of the museum with the work levels involved. He said sorry to all the friends who had encouraged him to be mayor.

New councillors David Harman and Charles Gunner were nominated for deputy mayor, and Mr Harman was elected to the position. He thanked councillors for the honour and Mr Butters for the "sterling work he does on the planning committee".

Congratulating Mrs Matthews and Mr Harman, Mrs Wade said various circumstances meant the council could not follow the usual procedures this year.

"Over the last few weeks, councillors and the town clerk have spent considerable time trying to resolve various issues," she said. "Two councillors have now been elected in a democratic way and I'm sure now that's done we are going to go forward over the next year."