A new Mayor of Hertsmere was appointed at a council meeting in Borehamwood last night.

A ceremony at the civic offices, in Elstree Way, saw incumbent Councillor Linda Silver (Con, Bushey Park) step down after a year in office to make way for Councillor Peter Knell (Potters Bar Furzefield).

A slight mix up in the order of proceedings saw Councillor Silver hand over the mayoral chains before she had received her tributes from councillors.

Stepping back into the hot-seat, Councillor Silver was told by Councillor Morris Bright (Con, Elstree) she had been a “mayor for the people and of the people” in an outstanding year of public service.

Councillor Silver managed to raise a record amount of more than £14,000 for her two charities Help for Heroes and the Jewish Association for Mental Illness.

Labour leader Councillor Ann Harrison (Cowley Hill) said she had been an excellent mayor and representative for Hertsmere.

Councillor Bright added he was delighted to be welcoming such a high calibre councillor back into political life.

As proceedings were handed over to the new mayor, Councillor Knell said: “I wear this chain with pride. I will carry the name of Hertsmere with that pride to every engagement I attend.”

Nominations were then sought for a new deputy mayor and a nomination by Councillor Sandra Parnell (Con, Hillside) saw Councillor Pat Strack (Con, Kenilworth) selected.

Councillor Parnell said Councillor Strack had worked tirelessly for the community for many years and would make an excellent ambassador for Hertsmere.

The mother-of-four has been involved in many local projects such as the campaign to save Aldenham Country Park, Elstree Film Studios and she is a governor at Summerswood Primary School.

Councillors then welcomed new members to the chambers, which were Sam Dobin (Con, Brookmeadow), Carey Keates (Con, Bushey St James), Richard Butler (Lab, Kenilworth) and Leslie Winters (Con, Bushey North).

Tributes were also paid to former councillors Penny Swallow and Lib Dem leader Roger Kutchinsky, who failed to gain re-election, but were both described as having made a significant contribution to the council.

In other appointments, Councillor Morris Bright will return as leader of the council for the next four years, with Councillor John Graham (Con, Aldenham East) as his deputy.