Gordon McLeod has been elected Hadleigh's new town mayor, while controversial councillor Andrew Knock was voted into the Armed Forces Champion role.

Cllr McLeod was elected unanimously at last night's town council meeting, with Bill Wilson named as his deputy.

Cllrs Rolf Beggerow and Knock had both been nominated but declined the opportunity to put their names forward, leaving the field clear for former firefighter Cllr McLeod.

Huw Roberts nominated Cllr Knock to become Armed Forces Champion as he has a son that served and has been a strong advocate for ex-services.

Cllr Knock may not feel he has the right qualifications and he has strong sense of what's right and wrong and has the passion for championing our armed services.

"Whatever councillors may think of him we all know he will fight for them and not give up."

Cllr Knock, who has courted controversy by calling the council and its members to account on a variety of issues, including prejudice against former soldiers, initially aired concerns citing the same reason he did not feel able to take up the mayoral role.

The Independent councillor is the subject of four code of conduct complaints following his clash with former mayor Frank Minns at last month's meeting.

One of those complainants, Carol Schleip, has called for Cllr Knock to be suspended for three months if the complaints are upheld.

Cllr Schleip was one of the councillors that failed to back Mr Minns motion to exclude Cllr Knock last month but later made a complaint with three other councillors.

Last night Cllr Knock said: "While I would like to accept the nomination I have concerns that Cllr Schleip's code of conduct request that I am suspended would not be able to be involved in projects as a councillor.

"I would still be involved and support our armed forces to the best of my ability even if I am suspended, just not as a councillor."

However, many fellow councillors urged him to accept the position, with Cllr Beggerow saying about any possible suspension: "We will cross that bridge if we have to."

Cllr Knock then agreed to take the appointment, saying he would be proud to represent the town's proud military connections.

He, along with new mayor McLeod, will be part of Armed forces week in June, which is currently being organised by Babergh's communities team and various military organisations.

Cllr Schleip admitted being prejudiced against ex-service personnel during an interview process, and then voted against an independent investigation being held into her behaviour at the staffing sub committee.

Councillor admits prejudice against ex-soldier in job interview