A council leader has been elected to drive forward business in Hertfordshire.

Sharon Taylor, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, has been elected by leaders of local authorities in Herts to sit on the interim board of the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Hertfordshire LEP is one of 30 partnerships across England and Wales responsible for driving economic growth and creating job opportunities in their area.

The Herts LEP has over 70 members from businesses including EADS Astrium, GlaxoSmithKline, John Lewis and Tesco, as well as colleges including North Herts, voluntary groups and local authorities.

Cllr Taylor said: “The board will be looking at how we can develop skills, employment, infrastructure and investment in the county. I am looking forward to the challenge of assisting the LEP in growing the number of jobs locally.

“Stevenage has a vibrant economy based on hi-tech engineering, information technology, pharmaceuticals and financial services. It is crucial that we have a strong voice in the Partnership to help these sectors to continue to prosper in the county.”