Two political parties from different countries came together to strengthen historic ties.

Watford Labour Party was proud to host members of the Mainz branch of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) over the late May bank holiday weekend.

Up until 2011, Mainz and Watford were once formally twinned towns.

Labour Councillor, Dennis Watling welcomed the guests for their third visit in as many years in what has become a strong international relationship, following its revival by Johannes Klomann and Cllr Watling.

Watford Observer: Watford Labour and Germany’s Social Democratic Party in Pizza Express Watford Labour and Germany’s Social Democratic Party in Pizza Express (Image: Watford Labour)

Cllr Watling said: “The annual exchange holds great social and educational value as to our historic links. It’s more than just shared political thinking.

“Mainz’s local government website holds catalogues of information on Watford’s history, it’s a shame that as a town, we don’t also do this for them,”

The SPD, which is the largest party in the both the Rhineland state and national parliaments, were treated to a visit to the Houses of Parliament, organised by Watford Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate, Matt Turmaine.

They also enjoyed a trip to Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Watford with Councillor Jagtar Singh-Dhindsa and campaigned with the local party in Watford High Street.

The visitors socialised with Watford Labour Party members, joining the party’s fundraising quiz, which this time featured a German theme to welcome the delegation; and experienced culinary delights including fish and chips, and the obligatory Sunday Roast.

The City Council of Mainz decided last year to further develop existing partnerships with other countries.

Watford Labour has long campaigned for a restoration of our twinned town partnerships, after the initiative was removed in 2011. 

Johannes Klomann of Mainz SPD “We are grateful to our hosts and enjoyed our stay in Watford very much. This visit once again gave us an insight into political and social life in the UK.

“It is interesting to see what similarities and what differences there are in party life between Labour and the SPD, and we will certainly introduce a party pub quiz for the SPD in Mainz.”

Other towns across the world that were once twinned with Watford include, American President Joe Biden’s hometown of Wilmington in Delaware as well as Nanterre in France, Pesaro in Italy, and Veliky Novgorod in Russia.