Liberal Democrat Peter Taylor is the new mayor of Watford

Former deputy mayor and Oxhey Ward councillor Peter Taylor will replace Dorothy Thornhill as the next directly-elected mayor of Watford.

He was joined by Labour candidate Jagtar Singh Dhindsa and the Conservative hopeful George Jabbour as the results were announced at Watford Leisure Centre earlier today.

Mayor Taylor won overall with 15,931 votes under the supplementary voting system.

The first preference figures revealed he had 13,274 votes, cllr Singh Dhindsa has 9,223 and Mr Jabbour had 4,787 votes.

After the second count it was announced he was victorious after cllr Singh Dhindsa received 9,951 second preference votes.

Mayor Taylor said he was “hugely honoured” to be elected during his winner’s speech.

He said: “Thank you to the voters for putting their trust in me. It is a huge honour to be elected to make this a better place to live.

“I would like to thank all the people who made this happen, including the other two rivals.

“Dorothy Thornhill has been mayor for 16 years and has been a friend and inspirational. Liberal democrats are very good at fighting all the time.

“Most of us who stand want the same thing. We want to live in a fair society for everyone.”

Cllr Singh Dhindsa said he felt “very positive” about the result.

He said: “Labour has done well all over the country as they got a seven and a half per cent increase, so it has been a good result.

“I will now be carrying on as a councillor and representing people in the town.”

Mr Jabbour added: “I’m delighted we have increased the share of the votes for the Conservatives, so that is a very positive step for the future.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being a candidate and it has been great meeting the Watford community.

“I will now continue running my business but will still be volunteering in Watford events such as a litter pick next Saturday.”

Conservative candidate George Jabbour, Labour candidate Jagtar Singh Dhindsa and the new mayor of Watford Peter Taylor.