It was out with the old and in with the new in Rockingham on Saturday night, with voters backing deputy mayor Lorna Buchan to take over the top job from incumbent Deb Hamblin.

More than 26,000 people voted in the election, with Ms Buchan declared the winner after securing the most first preference votes (10,054) and then holding on as other candidates’ preferences were taken into account.

Ms Hamblin, who had 7554 first preference votes, was the last eliminated in the count, which also featured current councillors Mark Jones and Mike Crichton.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the trust you’ve placed in me,” Ms Buchan said on Monday.

“This result shows our community has voted for positive change and new leadership that listens, works collaboratively and is focused on the future of ou

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