Hamilton Mayor Lawson Mapp was wrong to claim he was being bullied out of office a Corporation insider has claimed.

Mr. Mapp recently announced he would not be standing in the next election after losing the support of Corporation members.

But he said there had been a gentleman's agreement that a Mayor can serve for two terms - but this had been reneged upon.

However a corporation insider said the agreement did not mean that the two terms were guaranteed.

He said both William Boyle and William Frith had done one term before stepping aside to let senior members of the corporation get a turn in the hot seat.

He said: "My understanding was that there was an expectation for Mr. Mapp to step aside after the three years but he wanted to stay for two terms.

"Two members said if you do that we'll be too old so if you don't step aside we'll step down. Both were around 65. It's a difficult situation.

"Both previous incumbents had only done three years. It is not any law."

The source regretted the damage caused by the bad publicity.

He said: "Generally we have very good relationships between the members so it's sad there has been a misunderstanding but the Corporation will get over it and continue to function very well."

However Mr. Mapp said: "If you make a gentleman's agreement in January 1997 and the measure is passed seven to two and you state in that agreement that you hope all future mayors respect that agreement then follow it through."

He said he had not tried to fight the members over the issue and he said the members had used threats and bullying to get their way.

"At the end of the day there is no remuneration." He said he had decided to step down in March.

"I put in 24 years, starting as a councillor. It's a sad way to go when you feel you have tried to give your best to the community but it looks like you are not appreciated.

"But if David White wants to get in that seat he should wait his turn."

Mr. Mapp said E. Graham Gibbons had served for well over a decade.

He said Jubilee Park in North Hamilton was his best achievement and he had wanted to set up an antiques fair in Court Street but would now not have the chance.

Mr. White is off the Island and could not be reached for comment last night.