Winchelsea's new mayor

The annual mayor-making in Winchelsea took place on Easter Monday at the Court Hall, writes Richard Comotto. The mayor was elected by 21 "freemen" from among themselves. This follows the practice that prevailed between the 15th and 19th centuries when the town was a rotten borough. John Spencer, a retired doctor (pictured above), will serve two years. His deputy is Cynthia Feast. Also present were Amber Rudd, Conservative candidate for Hastings and Rye, and Keith Glazier, Tory leader of the county council, as well as mayors - all elected - from other Cinque Ports. See also Tradition or trumpery?