Wirral’s civic leader has swapped the Mayoral Jaguar for a Vauxhall.

The Jag was up for renewal and instead of placing an order for a swanky new one, the council has decided to opt for a more modest motor.

For the next few years the Mayor will be ferried to and from engagements in a silver Insignia.

David Armstrong, head of universal and infrastructure, said: “The council has a fleet of over 150 vehicles and they are replaced on the basis of age, condition and reliability.

“In the case of the Mayor’s car, it has been replaced with a quality product from the Vauxhall range.

“Vauxhall is a major employer of Wirral people, and one of Britain’s most successful businesses, so it makes sense that the authority should work closely with them to source a high standard of vehicle at a competitive price.

“It can also be serviced and maintained in Wirral, and switches to a diesel engine.

“This has led to a significant saving compared to a like-for-like replacement.”

The Insignia is produced in Opel's Rüsselsheim plant in Germany and prices start at a very reasonable £16,479.