For the past 35 years the Mayor of Medway has been above party politics.

But from now on - as long as the Conservatives are in power at Gun Wharf - the Town’s first citizen will remain true blue.

It follows the decision by Medway Council’s ruling Tories to scrap rules that allowed political parties to share the ceremonial post.

The cross-party points system was a gentlemen’s agreement that had allowed politicians of any hue to wear the ceremonial chains of office regardless of success at the ballot box.

That will not happen from next year with the constitution changed to allow the majority party to select the mayor from among its own members.

The proposal came from the Council Leader, Cllr Rodney Chambers, whose wife and father-in-law were former Gillingham mayors.

“Many members feel a majority administration should put forward the mayor,” he said.

“It has been said it is a non-political post. That’s a load or rubbish: Political parties nominate the mayor.”

Many ex-mayors spoke against the decision.

Cllr Val Goulden (Lab), said her selection as Mayor in 2007 was fair, democratic and non-political.

“I didn’t believe it when I first heard this - I had more respect for the Leader, but I have been proved wrong.”

Former deputy Medway mayor, Cllr Steve Kearney (Lib) said the change would replace a very successful system with something that did not represent the community.

His wife, Sheila, said: “Have the guts to say you want to make it one-party political.”

The Tory administrators accused their critics of “crocodile tears.”

Deputy leader Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) said: “You have done everything to undermine civic pride and run down this administration and belittle Medway.”