The North Herts Labour Group has elected a new leader, and he will now be put forward for the role of North Herts Council leader too.

The party has announced Cllr Daniel Allen as its new group leader, and he will now be nominated for the position of leader of North Herts Council at a meeting on May 23.

Cllr Val Bryant has been selected as the group's deputy leader.

"Thank you to everyone who put their trust in their local Labour teams last week, and helped us achieve such a brilliant result," said Cllr Allen. 

"I am honoured to have earned my colleagues’ support to lead Labour as the largest group on North Herts council.

"To ensure North Herts residents get the effective, ambitious council they deserve, I am laying out my three key missions as leader.

"Firstly, I will work to deliver the promises made in our manifesto. As the only party to offer a fully-costed plan, Labour won the most votes and councillors in the election, and I am committed to repaying residents’ trust.

"Secondly, I will continue work on the project to develop Churchgate. Sensible investment in this area will help build a more vibrant, enjoyable, and sustainable town centre, and provide a valuable community asset for generations to come.

"Finally, I will ensure residents are kept informed, updated, and involved in the work their council is doing. Everything the council does is on behalf of our residents, and I am passionate about making sure we are transparent, open, and engaged with everyone."

Cllr Allen replaces outgoing group and council leader, Cllr Elizabeth Dennis, who said: "I am immensely proud of the progress the Labour group and North Herts Council has made over the last few years.

"Since taking over from a chaotic Tory administration in 2019, Labour has put residents first, and earned their trust at each election as a result.

"We have delivered on residents’ priorities by protecting public services, despite 14 years of budget cuts from successive governments.

"We’ve grown into a council that takes its place on the regional stage, with fantastic work being done by our officers collaboratively with partners across the country, that will deliver for people locally.

"I look forward to continuing to work alongside fellow Labour councillors on behalf of our residents across the district, to deliver on the manifesto they endorsed."