Watford's mayor says the local election results show people know his party "focuses on doing the best for residents and the town".

Peter Taylor has been reflecting on the set of results of his Liberal Democrat administration after voters went to the polls earlier this month.

His party held onto all nine seats on Watford Borough Council it was defending, as well as four on Hertfordshire County Council.

Mr Taylor also pointed out how close his party had come to taking two seats in Watford held by the opposition Labour group - although Labour group leader Nigel Bell says his party's victory in Callowland was actually a "big win" for them because the Lib Dems had won seats in Callowland at the previous two elections.

Despite comfortably retaining control of the council, the Lib Dems did see a drop in the number of total votes received across the town, compared to 2019's results whereas Labour saw a small increase and the Conservatives doubled their votes.

When asked what he made of the set of results in Watford this year, Mr Taylor said: "The Liberal Democrats won nine out of the possible 13 seats up for election to Watford Borough Council and four of the six seats for Hertfordshire County Council.

"We also narrowly missed out on taking two seats off Labour in Callowland and Leggatts, by just 10 and 54 votes respectively.

"I am incredibly proud of all the hard work that my team has put in over the last year and to hold our ground on the council is a testament that the hard work is paying off. I am so grateful to local residents who put their trust in the hard working local Liberal Democrat team and we know how important it is to serve local residents throughout the year."

See more: Full list of 2021 local election results in Watford

Yesterday, the mayor announced some changes to his Cabinet. Councillors Ian Stotesbury, Aga Dychton, and Jenny Pattinson have been promoted to more senior positions within the council.

Mr Taylor said all three have worked "tirelessly" for their local areas since becoming councillors.

Cllrs Aga Dychton, Jenny Pattinson, and Ian Stotesbury. Credit: Watford Borough Council

Cllrs' Aga Dychton, Jenny Pattinson, and Ian Stotesbury. Credit: Watford Borough Council

See more: Mayor announces changes to his Cabinet

The Watford Liberal Democrats as a whole have been through somewhat of a change of personnel, fielding five brand new councillors in seats they held.

Some of those decisions were forced, after three resignations, while other representatives have either retired or stepped down.

Watford's mayor said: "We have a fantastic team of new councillors joining us this year, who have been working tirelessly for their local areas and will no doubt bring that work ethic to their new roles. People continue to put their faith in the Lib Dem team in Watford because they know we focus on doing the best for residents and the town.

"As we see Covid restrictions starting to ease our priority is making sure that there are opportunities for everyone in the town."

See more: Watford Conservatives reflect on local election results in Watford

See more: Watford Labour reflect on local election results in Watford