Carterton Deputy Mayor Ruth Carter ousted former deputy mayor Bill Knowles at the new council's first meeting last night.
Last month the Times-Age printed an article about Mr Knowles' opposition to the proposed Carterton Community Centre, which he called a "$5? million white elephant".
Mr Knowles will now chair the operations committee
alongside deputy chairman Brian Poulsen.
Elaine Brazendale moves up a notch from deputy to take the helm of the policy and finance portfolio and is joined by new urban ward councillor Barbara Durbin as deputy.
The mayor and councillors were sworn in yesterday at the meeting which was overseen by Carterton District Council chief executive ColinWright.
Mr Wright swore in returning Mayor Gary McPhee as he theatrically bowed much to the amusement of gathered councillors, family and friends.
Mr McPhee thanked retired councillors Dick Booth, Michael Blundell and David Lowe for their long and dedicated service and acknowledged Mr Knowles for his "good work" as deputy mayor.
New rural ward members Chris Engel and Grant Smith and urban ward councillor Mrs Durbin were also declared.
Mr McPhee also thanked his wife Sandy for agreeing to marry him again. "Living with me has taught her patience and tolerance," he said.
