The deputy mayor, from Dalton, was elected by his fellow councillors.

He has held the position since his election in September 2018.

Cr Searl has been a councillor for two consecutive terms, having first been elected in 2012.

Mayor John Stafford thanked Cr Searl for his support for the last 12 months.

"It's good to see him in the role again," he said.

In a media release, Cr Stafford said: "Cr Searl has done a wonderful job... I look forward to working with him over his next term."

Cr Stafford also reminded councillors to vote and adhere to the protocol of the election of the deputy mayor.

Cr Ron Cummins also contested the position.

He said it was important to have an election that was not unopposed.

"I fully realise that the majority of councillors around this table will not vote for me," he said.

"But, I have a concern, and recent history has shown, that a person who is elected unopposed can end up with a false sense of importance.

"It is therefore important to have an election, even if it turns out to be one-sided just so we can pretend democracy is alive and well in the council," Cr Cummins said in a statement at the meeting.

The position of deputy mayor is held for one year and the position of mayor is held for two years.

Cr Pam Kensit was absent from the meeting.