Councillor Anne Swerling has been sworn in as the new civic mayor of Hertsmere.
The Bushey St James councillor replaces Rabbi Councillor Alan Plancey, who stepped in to take on the role of mayor following the death of former mayor Cynthia Barker in September last year.
Cllr Plancey had previously served as mayor for the 2019/20 municipal year.
The mayoral chains were officially passed on to Cllr Swerling at Hertsmere Borough Council's annual council meeting on Wednesday night.
The meeting was the first time all of the councillors appeared in person at the council offices in Borehamwood since the pandemic began.
Cynthia Barker was appointed mayor of Hertsmere last spring but she died in September
After being elected in by her Conservative colleagues, Cllr Swerling, said: "It is a privilege and an honour to have been chosen as mayor of Hertsmere for the coming municipal year and I am somewhat humbled by it.
"It was a pleasure for me to act as deputy mayor for Cllr Cynthia Barker, who sadly passed away in September, and for Cllr Alan Plancey who took over for the rest of her year. Two nicer people one could not have had.
"I am looking forward to the coming year and hope it will give me the opportunity to meet as many Hertsmere residents and volunteers as possible."
Cllr Swerling's chosen charity for her year as mayor is the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
Outgoing mayor of Hertsmere, Rabbi Alan Plancey
At the meeting, Cllr Plancey talked about his role during the pandemic and lockdown, as well as raising money for his chosen charities, Herts Mind Network and Camp Simcha.
He said: "It was an honour to be mayor for a second time, after the sad passing of Cllr Cynthia Barker. It has been a challenging term due to the pandemic.
"However, the reception I have received from our communities and the support from officers has been outstanding.
"Cllr Swerling has been a brilliant deputy mayor and can look forward to a very warm reception from the community of Hertsmere."
Councillor John Graham has been appointed as the new deputy mayor for Hertsmere. He has served as a councillor since 1998 and is stepping down from his role as portfolio holder for finance.
Cllr John Graham, new deputy mayor in Hertsmere
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