Geoff Helisma Mayor Richie Williamson has continued his role as leader of the Clarence Valley after winning the support of a majority of councillors for the eighth time at last week’s council meeting. In a vote taken by a show of hands, councillors Hughes, Howe, Lysaught and Kingsley backed the mayor, while councillors Toms, Baker and McKenna supported surprise candidate, Jim Simmons. Councillor Simmons quipped that he couldn’t let Cr Williamson be elected uncontested. Councillor Craig Howe regained the position of deputy mayor, defeating incumbent Andrew Baker, with the councillors’ voting pattern the same as that for the mayor. Councillor Williamson congratulated Cr Simmons for his challenge, as he did for Cr Howe’s success in winning the deputy mayor position.