Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, any person permanently employed by the commonwealth, subject to the provisions of section nine B, who holds an elective state or county office or who is elected mayor by the people of any city in the commonwealth, shall, upon his written request, made to the appointing authority, be granted a leave of absence without pay from his position or employment for all or for such portion of the term for which he was elected, as he may at any time, or from time to time, designate, and he shall not be suspended or discharged and shall suffer no loss of tenure rights as a result of such leave of absence.
Massachusetts Legal Code