MAYOR-making is traditionally the one day of the year when party politics takes a backseat at Southampton city council.

And this year the tragic early death of mayor Mike Andrews in a sea-plane crash gave the formal occasion an even more sombre dignity.

His absence overshadowed the whole proceedings - he should have been there to hand over the mayoral chain to his successor Derek Burke, and talk about his year in office.

Instead led by Tory group leader David Abrahams, every speaker paid tribute to him.

"The memory of that tragic accident on July 27 last year will never grow dim for many of us in this Guildhall," he said.

He also read out a speech from Mike's partner, the former mayoress Liz Longman, who thanked friends for their support during the "past difficult ten months".

Those in the packed Guildhall then observed a moment's silence for the former councillor who had served the city for 22 years. The mayoral badge Mr Andrews was wearing during the fateful Catalina crash in Southampton Water will not be worn again, councillors have decided. It will be put on display in the mayor's parlour as a tribute.

New mayor Derek Burke, a popular figure around the city, summed up why he and his deputy mayor, the Sheriff Peter Wakeford, were proud to take on their new jobs.

"We do it with humour, we do it with grace but most of all we enjoy what we do for our city."

The city councillors then progressed to a full council meeting, one of the few meetings where members of the public filled the gallery.

More tributes flooded in, this time to former city leader John Arnold, who was replaced by education chief June Bridle in a post election challenge.

He will continue to serve as deputy leader. "A dignified representative for this city," said opposition leader Adrian Vinson.

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