Three Rivers District Council chose their new chairman at a full meeting this evening.

Labour Chairman Ron Spellen addressed a differently laid out council than outgoing chairman Richard Laval did last year, due to a smaller Labour and Liberal Democrat bench, and a slightly larger collection of Conservative councillors.

Councillor Spellen has stood in South Oxhey since 1995, and follows his wife Nina who also served as chairman of Three Rivers District Council.

During his time he has taken part on various committees including development and control, leisure, environment, standards board and highways.

Leader of the council Ann Shaw said: “Ron is a long serving member of this council, and is unfailingly friendly and curteous, I have never heard him shout in full council.

“Ron, the gardening must go on hold for a year, I hope you find it challenging and fun.”

The chairman of the council is a non-political, ceremonial role, and is elected every year.

Outgoing chairman Richard Laval said: “Thank you all for the privilege of letting me be chairman of Three Rivers council for the past year.

“I have met so many people and been to so many exotic places, such as Eastbury, and Chorleywood. I hope I have managed to tread the middle ground between disrespect and acute chairman-itis.”

Councillor Laval thanked his secretary Sarah Haythorpe, all of the Three Rivers councillors, and voluntary organisations he had met.

As a parting message, he reminded Councillor Spellen of Rule 34.1, “the referee is final and you are the referee”.

Liberal Democrat councillor Matthew Bedford thanked Richard Laval for his year, and also wished him happy birthday, suggesting he may now “take a little time to relax.”

Conservative councillor Chris Hayward made his first speech as leader of the opposition, in welcoming Liberal Democrat councillor Barbara Green to take the vice chairman seat for the following year.

Ann Shaw remained leader of both the Liberal Democrat party, and of Three Rivers District Council.

Kemal Butt and Matthew Beford were named deputy leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties.