In a few days, residents across Watford will vote for their local councillors and elected mayor. At the hustings I have attended, the experience and character needed to make a good leader has been a common theme.

Throughout the last four years I have been accessible, working with others to get things done. I’ve attended thousands of events, held street stalls, surgeries and virtual sessions so that people are able to contact me and raise their concerns.

Judgement matters and sometimes leaders must make difficult decisions. My predecessor, Dorothy Thornhill, was right to make land available for the hospital to improve and expand, despite opposition from Labour councillors. Watford’s Labour Party also led the opposition to new facilities at Oxhey Activity Park but I believe we were right to invest in these facilities.

Read more: Full list of mayor and council candidates at Watford 2022 election

With energy and food prices soaring, I will take the decisions needed to keep Watford’s share of council tax as low as possible, and never increase it by more than inflation.

It is vital that leaders are honest about the challenges we face. National planning rules and unfair targets mean that taller buildings are being seen in many towns and cities. Conservative ministers have tripled Watford’s housing target, attacked us for not building enough and are punishing us for this by taking power away from local people.

Every candidate ought to recognise these facts and be prepared to fight for a system where local residents have more say. Sadly neither of the other parties has really engaged in this process, other than to criticise me and spread misinformation to you. That is not leadership but opportunism.

  • Peter Taylor is Elected Mayor of Watford