Hertford Town Council is pleased to announce that Councillor Steven Watson was elected as the new Mayor of Hertford for the Municipal Year 2025 - 2026 at the Annual Meeting of the Council, held at County Hall on Thursday 15th May 2025.
Cllr Steven Watson’s career has ranged from civil engineering to architecture. He moved to Hertford with his family in 2018. Cllr Watson was elected to the Town Council in 2023 and he is also a District and County Councillor. His consort will be his wife, Lynda Watson.
Cllr Maura Connolly was appointed as the Deputy Mayor of Hertford for 2025 - 2026.
Cllr Steven Watson’s chosen charities for the municipal year are Herts Young Homeless and Hertford District Scouts.
The mission of Herts Young Homeless is to break the cycle of youth homelessness. Many of the young people they support are facing hidden homelessness, which is the lack of a safe, stable, permanent home. This includes sofa surfing with friends or extended family, or staying in temporary accommodation such as hostels. They offer tailored support for 16–24 year-olds and their families, through a variety of specialist services. Prevention is central to their work, and they believe that to truly achieve their vision of every young person having a home from which they can grow and thrive, they have to tackle the root causes of youth homelessness with innovative and sustainable solutions.
Hertford District Scouts prepare young people in Hertford with skills for life – helping them speak up and play their part. Developing skills around teamwork, leadership and resilience, Scouts grow to become everything from teachers and social workers to astronauts and Olympians. Always welcoming new youth members and adult volunteers, the Scouts bring people together. As part of the worldwide movement, Hertford District Scouts are creating a stronger community and inspiring positive futures.
Cllr Steven Watson commented: “Being elected Mayor of Hertford is such a tremendous honour. I am delighted to be offered this opportunity and I will endeavour to do my utmost to serve the people of this unique town. Hertford is so full of rich heritage and natural beauty but we are also blessed with a vibrant local community - I am really looking forward to meeting the individuals, groups, charities and organisations who truly are the beating heart of Hertford.”
At the Annual Meeting, Cllr Alex Daar was appointed Leader of Hertford Town Council for 2025 - 2026 and she shared the Council’s programme of work for the municipal year ahead. Cllr Ann Woodward was appointed as Deputy Leader of Hertford Town Council for 2025 - 2026. As well the list of appointments of Council representatives to external bodies, Hertford Town Council appointed Cllr Vicky Smith as its new Youth Engagement Champion to build on the Council’s outreach to schools, colleges and youth organisations.
You can find out more about the Office of Mayor at: www.hertford.gov.uk/the-mayor-of-hertford.