Labour Party members in Watford have selected their candidate to run in next year’s mayoral election.

Cllr Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, who came second to incumbent mayor Dorothy Thornhill at the last election in 2014, said he was “delighted” to have been selected to stand again.

The Vicarage ward councillor and current chairman of Watford Borough Council has a wealth of experience, having first been elected as a councillor back in 1994.

With mayor Thornhill set to stand down at next year’s election, Cllr Dhindsa will go up against Liberal Democrat candidate Peter Taylor – the current deputy mayor – and Conservative journeyman George Jabbour.

Cllr Dhindsa said: “I am delighted that Watford Labour Party members have chosen me to represent them in the mayoral election next year.

“I will be a unity candidate to represent not just Labour in Watford, but all residents to make our town a better place to live for everyone – for the many, not the few.

“I want Watford to become a fairer and more just town. It can only be done by stopping austerity from being imposed on its beleaguered residents.

“I also want a clean, vibrant, diverse and family-friendly town that offers job opportunities, good housing and first-class retail, leisure and sports facilities for its residents, business community and visitors.”

Mike Jackson, chairman of Watford Labour Party, added: “We are delighted to have a candidate of Jagtar’s character and experience standing as our mayoral candidate. He will truly be a mayor to represent all of Watford.

“Our town faces many challenging issues, and we’re confident that Labour values will bring a better deal to our residents and community.”