The mayoral chains have been passed on in Hertsmere after a ceremony was held at the first full council meeting since the local elections.

Cllr Alan Plancey, who was re-elected in Brookmeadow ward in Borehamwood on May 2, succeeds Cllr Brenda Batten.

Mrs Batten has retired as a councillor after serving the borough for many years - although mayoral roles only last one year.

At the meeting, Mrs Batten talked about the large number of engagements she had attended during her year as Mayor and of the fundraising events that had taken place in aid of her chosen charities, the Alzheimer’s Society and CLIC Sargent.

She said: “It was an absolute honour to have served as mayor of Hertsmere and it was the perfect way to round off the many years that I served as a borough councillor.

“I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting many different organisations and seeing for myself the hard work being invested, much of it voluntarily, by so many people across Hertsmere towards supporting their local communities.

“I was supported at many events by my husband John, who acted as mayor’s consort for the year. I also had an excellent deputy mayor in Cllr Plancey. I wish him every success for his mayoral year ahead.”

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Former Mayor, Brenda Batten, hands the mayoral chains to Mayor Cllr Alan Plancey

Following his appointment, Cllr Plancey said: “It’s a tremendous honour to serve as Mayor and am looking forward to all the engagements that are coming up.

“Over the next year I will be supporting the mental health charity Mind, as well as Camp Simcha which supports Jewish families living with serious childhood illness across the UK.

New Borehamwood Kenilworth councillor Cynthia Barker was elected as deputy mayor.

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Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Cynthia Barker

Cllr Morris Bright remains leader of Hertsmere Borough Council while Cllr Caroline Clapper is the new deputy leader.

Cllr Jeremy Newmark continues to lead the Hertsmere Labour group while Cllr Andrew Melville heads up the Liberal Democrat party in the council chamber.