The city council – where Liberal Democrat and Tory groups are now virtually of equal strength – is set for some bitter battles in the
debating chamber over the coming year.

"Your time as a teacher will stand you in very good stead as you try to keep this council in order," Conservative leader Andrew Geary told the 64-year-old ex-school head as she took on the chain of office from Mike Barry at a ceremony on Tuesday.

He advised councillors on all sides to be wary of upsetting her.
"Woe betide you if you ever get that glare," he said.

Norman Miles, who heads the Labour group to which Jan belongs, said: "She is strong-minded but approachable. She will tell you how it is."

Later, Cllr Lloyd, who retained her Eaton Manor seat in this month's elections, said: "I am going to do everything necessary to ensure productive meetings that run as smoothly as possible."

Married with a daughter, the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council chairman was elected to the city council in 1996 and has headed key watchdog committees.

She is a member of the Open University Choir and secretary and a founder member of the Max Wall Society, established in memory of the actor and comedian.

She has nominated St John Ambulance as her charity for the year with a bid to raise £25,000 for a youth development officer.

Outgoing Mayor Barry announced his charity fund had netted more than £35,000 for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

Councillors showered tributes upon him and wife Cheryl, saying they had been "an asset to the city" in a year which had seen the 40th anniversary celebrations, a visit by the Queen and the promotion of MK Dons.

Lib Dem councillor Euan Henderson was elected deputy to Mayor Lloyd.