FORMER Rangitikei mayor Bob Buchanan has been elected national vice-president of Grey Power.
Mr Buchanan was elected by a narrow margin at the organisation's national conference in Christchurch yesterday.
He defeated his nearest challenge by three votes in a contentious decision.
Mr Buchanan served two terms as Rangitikei mayor between 2001 and 2007,
before stepping aside.
And, just as he managed to win the mayoralty without first sitting around the council table, Mr Buchanan has become vice-president without first being on the Grey Power board.
This caused some contention during the vote, he said.
"Let's just say it's been quite controversial, but I've never been one to shy away from controversy," he said.
"It was because I have not been on the board before, and I'm also one of the younger members of Grey Power. The person behind me had been there for some time and they were quite keen to become president at some point I think."
Mr Buchanan said youthfulness was key to his victory, and indicated people wanted a more energetic approach to the role.
The 60-year-old Mr Buchanan joined the Wanganui Grey Power chapter about eight years ago, before moving to the Rangitikei branch when it was established.
He has served as Rangitikei chapter president, and also plays a prominent role in the zone four district, which covers much of the central North Island.
As vice-president he will be responsible for deputising when national president Graham Stairmand is unavailable.
His first official duty could come sooner than expected, as health issues may prevent Mr Stairmand attending the organisation's upcoming AGM.
"I'm willing and able to do that and, as I did when elected mayor in 2001, I know I can fill those responsibilities."
His other roles within the organisation will be decided at the next board meeting, but Mr Buchanan said he had certain priorities.
"We, as a board, will certainly look at taking Grey Power forward. The board's job is to assist Grey Power areas and one of my wishes is to look at widening the membership."
The timing is fitting, as next year's AGM will be held at Nga Tawa School in Marton.
Mr Buchanan said he did not have a set plan, but would be interested in becoming Grey Power president in the future.
"I'm very proud on behalf of Wanganui and Rangitikei, and I'm proud on behalf of the Grey Power community," he said.
"My hand has almost been shaken off today."
Rangitikei had more to celebrate when Ann Reading, of Marton, was re-elected to the national board.
