A leading Christchurch historian fears for the future of the borough’s ancient mayoralty after what called a ‘snub’ to the new mayor.

None of council’s top officers, including chief executive David McIntosh, attended the mayor-making lunch for Peter Hall on Tuesday.

Council bosses say Mr McIntosh was ‘too busy’.

But now Mike Hodges – a former Christchurch mayor himself in 1978 – said he was astounded by the decision.

He said: “It’s the first time in 40 years of my involvement that the officers have not been there.

“I don’t think this sends out the right message and I am concerned that there is an agenda here to get rid of the mayoralty and centralise everything at Wimborne.”

Christchurch and East Dorset District Councils merged their officer, staff and service structure two years ago to save money and Mr McIntosh, who was chief executive at EDDC became boss of both.

Christchurch chief executive, Mike Turvey, lost out.

Mr Hodges who has written several books on Christchurch said: “I am frightened for the future of the mayoralty.

“It is one of the oldest in the country and is a very important part of borough’s history and its tourism.”

Mr Hodges was cheered by councillors when he highlighted the chief executive’s non appearance while making the official Toast to the ancient borough at Tuesday’s ceremony.

He said he has also received emails from council staff who also fear the mayoralty might be under threat.

Cllr Colin Bungey, another former mayor, said Mr McIntosh should have been there as an employee of the borough.

“He took the job and is getting paid a lot of money and should be taking on these responsibilities.”

Cllr Bun-gey said he believed Mr McIntosh and others were ‘anti-mayoralty’ and he was worried that Christchurch might not survive as an independent borough.

“In the new era, tradition is not seen as important. Some people are just paying lip service to Christchurch’s ancient history.”

A spokesman for Christchurch Council said that the chief executive was ‘currently very busy on work for the Partnership with East Dorset District Council and, unfortunately, was unable to take the time out for the mayoral lunch, which is essentially a celebratory event for the members of the council’.

Mr McIntosh was unavailable for comment.