Cr Clarke was voted into the top job at Thursday’s meeting, edging out Cr Dean Rees with a 4-3 majority thanks to support from Cr Harvey Benton, Cr Mark Currie and Cr Ruth Amery.

Despite flagging a possible run, Cr Harry Bussell and Cr Dave Fuller did not nominate.

Councillors voted Cr Benton as deputy mayor, ensuring the two experienced elder statesmen – one from city and one from a rural ward – would oversee the municipality for the next year.

“I don’t think age matters if you’ve still got the mind and the ability to do things,” Cr Clarke said.

“I have not wavered in my desire to make the Wangaratta area the best municipality in Victoria.”

It will be his second time as mayor, after first holding the position in 1985.

“Nothing exceeds the pleasure of being elected after an absence of 26 years to the most prestigious position in our rural city,” Cr Clarke said.

“The path will not be easy, given the events of the last few years, but with this group of councillors, with our diverse interests, we will be giving our utmost to ensure that growth takes us to greater heights.”

He has resigned from his role with the RSL in case of any conflict of interest during the branch’s move to the Sydney Hotel building.

“Out of all the councillors, it’s us two who have been in local government before and know the rules,” Cr Benton said.

“The community put it out there – they actually voted in Ken with the most votes in the city ward and and I was an absolute majority (in north ward) so in some way, we’ve earned the respect.”

Former chair of administrators Ailsa Fox said Wangaratta was in good hands moving forward.

“We wish you all the best of luck for the future,” she said.

“We’re quite happy to assist you or give you advice ...we’re quite happy to volunteer our services in that way, we’ve really enjoyed our time here.”