Having been sworn in as Watford Borough Council’s new chairman, Keith Crout is already working hard to make his mark.

A former Watford Observer reporter, Councillor Crout was officially sworn in at a ceremony held at the Town Hall last Thursday night.

Speaking to the Observer this week, he said he was looking forward to a very busy year.

Councillor Crout says he is hoping to put Watford on the map and to spread the word about “a vibrant town”.

He said: "A lot of work goes unrecognised here, so I’m going to have a regular column on the chairman’s website to promote the town.

"My theme for the year will be showcasing Watford – a town to be proud of.”

The new chairman moved to the Watford area with his family in 1968 and even worked for a time at the Watford Observer and Watford Review.

He said: "I worked at the Observer for two years, I think.

"I think working as a journalist really prepared me for this job, that is, you have got to be used to mixing with people and speaking up for yourself."

Besides his official duties, Councillor Crout is also chair of the Herts Gay Community, where he met his partner, Jeremy, a professional will writer and amateur musician.

The pair, who have been together for 25 years, recently tied the knot in a civil ceremony.

The councillor says: "Jeremy and I met back in the 1980s and have been together ever since. When gay civil partnerships came about, well, after 25 years together it was a case of 'why don't we?'.

"So, I didn't really have the opportunity to go down on one knee, although I am not that sure if I would have been able to get back up."

Jeremy will not, however, take up the traditional role of consort, as his musical engagements often mean he is away performing. Councillor Crout has instead opted to take work colleagues in his place.

The councillor has chosen the Alzheimer's Society and The Peace Hospice as his charities of the year.

He explains: "My mum died before Christmas as a result of Alzheimer's. She had been suffering from it for more than five years and the society provided us with so much support.

“I thought it would be a great way to pay them back.

"As for The Peace Hospice, because of the recession, donations have really diminished, so I thought we could help them and give a bit back."