THERE'S a new sheriff in town - and Harry Mitchell managed to blow away all competition to get there.

Southampton's mayor making ceremony was billed as the event that could have decided who was in power at the civic centre. When the dust cleared the 68-year-old was the last man standing after his rival candidate dropped out to give him a clear run in his bid to be crowned sheriff.

The ceremonial title, which is the mayor's deputy, was given to the Coxford ward councillor after receiving cross party support.

He revealed receiving the honour brought back memories of when he met one of his predecessors when he was a small boy.

"I recall many years ago in St Denys being at Sunday school. The then sheriff of the borough came to visit us and we were all so disappointed that he was dressed in an ordinary suit and wearing his chain of office.

"We were expecting him to be wearing cowboy clothes, pistols and a gold star on his chest."

With a passion for country and western music, Cllr Mitchell was able to celebrate his new title in style by donning one of his favourite outfits. He was remaining tight-lipped as to whether he would be treating the youngsters of today to the sight of a sheriff dressed in Wild West gear.

"I am known as quite a lively fellow and I'll have to test the water. I could well do it but we will have to wait and see.

"It would be great to see the children's reaction and what their parents would say when they went home and told them they had met a real sheriff."

The Liberal Democrats candidate councillor Ann Milton withdrew herself from the running just hours before Wednesday's ceremony, during which councillor Parvin Damani became mayor.

She said she decided to pull out because of recent ill health and declared it was not politically motivated.

The power struggle at the city council, which was won by the Liberal Democrats, rested on the votes of Cllr Mitchell and fellow Independent councillor Paul Russell at the full council meeting. Cllr Mitchell abstained, while Cllr Russell sided with the Lib Dems which left Labour's hopes of clinging to control in ruins as they needed to clinch backing from both.