THE chief executive of Christchurch council has defended himself against accusations he “snubbed” the new mayor by not attending a recent mayor-making lunch.

David McIntosh, chief executive at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils was criticised by former Mayor Michael Hodges for not going to the lunch event for this year’s mayor, Cllr Peter Hall.

Mr Hodges said he feared for the future of the borough’s ancient mayoralty after the so-called snub, sentiments which were echoed by Independent councillor Colin Bungey.

But Mr McIntosh said: “I understand the heritage and importance of the history of Christchurch, everyone does and that is a matter of fact.

“That history can’t be taken away.

“What we need to do is create a modern council for the future and that is no criticism of anything in the past.”

He added: “What we do want to do is make full use of the role of the Mayor and we also want to make sure that the Mayor’s duties support the activities of the council.

“Rather than see it diminishing I actually see it enhanced.

“There are a number of networking events this could work well at and it would be a good chance for us to promote the mayoralty as well.

“I think we need to be taking full advantage of the fact that we have got a mayor who is prominent in the borough and beyond.”

Speaking about fears Christchurch could lose its sovereignty and become one council with East Dorset as opposed to a partnership, he said: “It is absolutely enshrined that the two councils will remain independent.

“It is written into the partnership agreement.

“It’s a non-issue as far as we are concerned.

“We’re saving more money than anticipated. The process itself is tricky and we are managing it as well as we can.

“But there is no denying it is difficult.”

Since the partnership was formed in 2010 around £1.3million worth of savings have been achieved.