THE first UK Independence Party Mayor in North Yorkshire has been elected in the county town - Northallerton.

Cllr Claire Palmer took the title of mayor of Northallerton Town Council from independent councillor John Forrest, who lost a vote by four to seven, when the election was held at the annual council meeting on Monday, May 9.

Cllr Palmer said in a press release issued by Yorkshire UKIP she was “honoured and delighted” at becoming UKIP’s first ever mayor in the town, adding that her elevation to the position marked “the progress of the party in both the town and the wider Yorkshire region.”

A mother of two, Cllr Palmer works as a manager in a chain of betting shops,.

She added: “In the space of six years, UKIP have gone from having no representation on either the district or town councils, to having four very active town councillors, one busy district councillor and the party holding the position of mayor. I’m utterly delighted.

"It's not only a great opportunity to see what I can achieve as mayor, but also to highlight how UKIP’s elected officials and members work tirelessly for the people of this area.”

Cllr Palmer is also a Hambleton district councillor - the only UKIP member on the authority - and the only non Conservative of the 28 councillors. She took the seat at the elections in May 2015 for the Northallerton South ward.

Her election has been welcomed by fellow UKIP members, particularly local MEPs Jane Collins and Mike Hookem, who represent Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Ms Collins said: “It is amazing news that Claire has managed to crown all her hard work by becoming the first UKIP mayor in Northallerton. She has my sincere congratulations and those of the whole UKIP region.

“I’m sure her election will be a great boost to the local branch that has grown from strength to strength in the past few years.”

Mr Hookem said: “Claire has worked tirelessly for her local branch in Richmond for many years now; as an active member; as branch chair; and now as treasurer.

“She is always at the forefront of activity in the community and is currently busily involved in leafleting and organising street stalls for the upcoming EU Referendum on June 23.”