The new mayor of Stevenage was elected at a council meeting last night (Tuesday).

Cllr Sherma Batson takes up the post for 2014/15.

The Labour councillor said: “I am proud to live in Stevenage and grateful that my mother and late father settled here and worked hard to give me and my siblings a future. I am hoping to have a fantastic year celebrating all that’s good about Stevenage and promoting our hardworking volunteers, schools and businesses.

“Being mayor will give me the opportunity to make my family proud and give something back to this great town and its people, of all ages and backgrounds.”

Three Liberal Democrat members voted against Cllr Batson taking on the role, with Cllr Robin Parker stating during the meeting that “the mayor should not be yet another party political appointment”.

Cllr Jacqueline Hollywell (Lab) was elected as deputy mayor, while Shae Field takes on the role of youth mayor and will represent those aged 11-19 in the town.

The mayor’s chosen charities are Stevenage Furniture Recycling Scheme, Home-Start Stevenage and Stevenage World Forum. Her fundraising partners will be Stevenage Scouts and Lejog Fundraisers.

Previous mayor Jack Pickersgill, who resigned in March due to family reasons, raised £6,400 for his charities – Alzheimer’s Association, British Red Cross, the Royal National lifeboat Institution and the Stevenage Carers Support Group.