THE deputy mayor of Worcester has turned down the chance to become the city's first citizen.

In a departure from tradition Councillor Keith Burton has decided not to wear the chain and ceremonial robes for personal reasons - he had major surgery for cancer five years ago.

Coun Burton, aged 68, said: "This is probably one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make but I suppose I am being selfish really.

"Five years agao I had major surgery for cancer which tends to focus your thoughts on how you're going to lead your life.

"I am approaching 70 and I really didn't want to give up another 12 months of my life."

Coun Burton said he hoped people understand.

"Being mayor is a huge honour and I don't want people to feel that I am slighting the city," he said. "But this is just me and I didn't feel I was the right man to do the job."

Councillor David Tibbutt, cabinet member for urband renaissance, is now the Conservative's preferred choice to become mayor and if he is voted in on Tuesday that will result in at least one change to the cabinet.

For more on this story see tomorrow's Worcester News.