Neil Brown will not be seeking a third term as Ashburton Mayor.

As has become his tradition, Brown played a song as councillors waited for the meeting to start – this time it was the cult Clash hit, should I stay or should I go.

His left his announcement to the end of the open part of Wednesday’s meeting.

“My decision is for me to not seek a third term as mayor.

“It doesn’t mean I stop here and now. We still have six months left of this term and I have work to do.

“It is pedal to the metal right to October.”

He has been at the council table for 21 years- four terms as a councillor, one as deputy mayor, and two terms as mayor.

“This time has been very rewarding for me.

He had decided before Christmas but waited as “the only thing I had to confirm was have I changed my mind”.

“This decision is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made.”

Numerous people had offered their support to him to stand for a third term he said.

His speech focussing on the reoccurrence of the number three during his time on council proved a red herring to his decision.

He outlined he had served with three mayors (Bede O’Malley, Angus McKay, and Donna Favel), three deputy mayors (John Leadley, Darryl Nelson and Liz McMillan), and three chief executives (Brian Lester, Andrew Dalziel, Hamish Riach), and has been in meetings in three council chambers.

Councillors reacting to his announcement offered praise for service to the role only for Brown to remind them there were still six months of the term to go.

Brown’s decision not to seek re-election will see other dominoes fall to see who take his place on October 11.

“To the person who wins, you will find it a very rewarding and satisfying role.

“I also see the next mayor coming from around this table.”

First-term councillor Rob Mackle announced earlier this week his intention to run for mayor and said he was surprised by Brown’s decision.

The first mayoral candidate to come forward was Jeff Ryan.

Nominations open on July 1, but the mayoral race is already underway in Ashburton.

By Jonathan Leask