Chairman of the Council

The Chairman of Watford Borough Council is the First Citizen of Watford. The Chairman wears a chain of office bearing the borough’s Coat of Arms and, on formal occasions, may wear traditional robes and be led by the Borough Mace.

Watford was first granted borough status in 1922. Following local government reorganisation, a new Borough Charter was issued in 1974, celebrated with the naming of 'Charter Place' shopping centre.

Since 2002, the political leader of Watford has been elected directly by the public and is known as the Elected Mayor. The civic leader, elected by councillors, is the Chairman.

The Chairman serves a one-year term, from one Annual Council meeting (usually held in May) to the next. A Vice Chairman is also elected, who is usually the Chairman-elect for the following year.

The Chairman may appoint a Consort to assist throughout the year. Consorts do not have to be councillors.

Key duties:

• Chairing meetings of the full Council
• Representing the Council at civic and ceremonial events
• Acting as a figurehead in the community

How to address the Chairman

• The Chairman should be introduced as: 'The Chairman of Watford Borough Council, Councillor Favour Ezeifedi'.
• When the Chairman and Consort are to be introduced: 'The Chairman of Watford Borough Council, Councillor Favour Ezeifedi and their Consort Chief Friday Oguaju'.
• The Vice Chairman should be introduced as: 'The Vice Chairman of Watford Borough Council, Councillor Sohail Bashir'.
• When the Vice Chairman and Consort are to be introduced: 'The Vice Chairman of Watford Borough Council, Councillor Sohail Bashir and Mrs Abida Bashir'.