New Mayor installed for civic year

Hertford has a new mayor for the 2026-7 civic year following the installation of Cllr. Alex Daar in the role last week.

Councillor Daar has lived in Bengeo for nearly thirty years, with a career in the NHS and the voluntary sector. Cllr Daar has also taught at Hertford Regional College. Involvement in the Bengeo Neighbourhood Plan fostered Cllr Daar's interest in local government and she was elected to Hertford Town Council in 2019, serving as Leader of the Council, since 2025. Cllr Daar has sat on East Herts Council ince 2023.

This is the first time Hertford Town Council has held its 'Mayor Making' Ceremony at BEAM Hertford, in the heart of the town. This was particularly poignant as the Council grant funded the creation of BEAM's fully accessible studio. Launched in 2025, Studio 2 supports community groups and local productions, for the benefit of all residents and visitors to Hertford.

A procession of The Mayor, Town Councillors and the Town Clerk and Chief Executive, to and from Hertford Castle, was led by the Sergeants at Mace, all in their full regalia.

Deputy Lieutenant, Luke Rigg MBE DL, local dignitaries, representatives from charities, schools and community groups, were all in attendance; as were the Mayor’s Cadets, Scout, Guide and the Mayor's Chaplin.

Councillor Alex Daar’s chosen charities for the civic year are: CHIPS and Hertfordshire MIND Network.

Councillor Alex Daar, the new Mayor of Hertford, commented: "Little did I know when I first got involved with the Bengeo Neighbourhood Plan, years ago, that I would not just be helping my local community, but serving it. It is my great pleasure to continue to serve the town of Hertford, and I do not underestimate the great honour that has been bestowed upon me. As Mayor of Hertford, I will endeavor to serve the people of this vibrant town to the very best of my abilities and I look forward to working alongside my charities, fellow Town Councillors and the wider local community, to preserve, protect and promote everything that makes Hertford so uniquely special."

At the Annual Meeting, Cllr Maura Connolly was appointed as the Deputy Mayor of Hertford for 2026-7.

Cllr Alex Daar was also appointed Leader of Hertford Town Council for 2026-7 and Cllr Ann Woodward was appointed as Deputy Leader of Hertford Town Council for 2026-7.

At the meeting, the Council expressed its gratitude to Councillor Steven Watson for his service as Mayor of Hertford, for 2025-6. Tribute was paid to Cllr Watson's achievements as Mayor, over the past civic year.

The role of Mayor is to chair full meetings of the Council in accordance with standing orders and conduct the meeting in a fair and impartial manner. The Mayor also represents Hertford at civic events and functions each year, including award-giving receptions and local and community events.