The victory by independent candidate Tony Egginton, a former newsagent, ended nearly 30 years of Labour leadership in the town.

Mr Egginton, who helped lead a campaign in favour of a mayor, promised to change the way the town is run.

"I am very proud and privileged to be the first mayor of Mansfield and I will aim to do the best that I can for the people of Mansfield," he said.

Blended cabinet

"Obviously I am totally overwhelmed but it is always lovely to be first and I want to do a successful job."

Turnout was low for the vote at just 17.9%.

The Labour candidate lost by 588 votes

Mr Egginton beat Labour candidate Lorna Carter by 588 votes after second-round ballots were counted with a total of 5,951 votes.

The new mayor will appoint his own decision-making cabinet composed of cross- party representatives.

Stewart Rickersey, who led the pro-mayor referendum campaign and supported Mr Egginton, said the victory showed that the local council had not consulted residents properly.

He predicted a lower level of council tax increases under the new mayor and better citizen involvement in decision making.

Mr Egginton will hold the post until May 2007.