The Chairman of East Hertfordshire District Council is the ceremonial head of the council, first citizen of district and the chair of full council meetings. At full council meetings, the chairman must ensure the smooth running of meetings, uphold the constitution, interpret the rules of procedure and maintain an 'apolitical stance.' The chairman may, though, exercise a casting vote in the case of a tied vote with 'complete freedom of conscience.' The chairman is forbidden by the constitution from being a member of the council's executive. The chairman is elected annually by council.
Since the start of the 2008 municipal year, chairmen have served only a single consecutive one-year term instead of the two or three year terms of office previously common. However, Jonathan Kaye served two consecutive terms in 2019-21 due to the special circumstances caused by the COVID pandemic.
Previous chairmen of the council are commemorated on boards in the council chamber of East Herts Council at Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford.
Municipal Years In OfficeChairmanWard RepresentedNotes2022-2023Ian DevonshireMuch Hadham2021-2022Ken CroftonWalkernFirst person to serve two non-consecutive terms as chairman.2019-2021Jonathan KayeWare ChristchurchServed two consecutive one year terms due to the special circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.2018-2019Keith WarnellBishop's Stortford Meads2017-2018Jeff JonesBuntingford2016-2017Ken CroftonWalkern2015-2016Patricia MooreHertford Bengeo2014-2015Roger BeechingSawbridgeworth2013-2014Graham McAndrewBishop's Stortford South2012-2013Jeanette TaylorWare St Mary's2011-2012Suzanne Rutland-BarsbyHertford Castle2010-2011Tony DoddWare Trinity2009-2010Stan BullBuntingford2008-2009Diane HollebonBishop's Stortford South2006-2008Allen BurltonBishop's Stortford South2004-2006Derek MayesGreat Amwell2002-2004Nigel Copping'The Chairman of East Herts Council', Honour Boards, East Hertfordshire District Council Council Chamber, Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford, HertfordshireStansted Abbots2000-2002Ralph GilbertBishop's Stortford Meads1998-2000Robert ParkerBishop's Stortford Thorley (1998–1999), Bishop's Stortford South (1999–2000)1997-1998Jill GeallTewin1996-1997James RangerCottered1994-1996Nigel PoultonWatton At Stone1992-1994Roger TuckerStapleford1990-1992Roger MartinHertford Bengeo1988-1990Peter RufflesHertford Castle1985-1988Francis ClaySawbridgeworth1982-1985Norman MurphyWare Priory1980-1982Frederick WhiteheadSawbridgeworth1978-1980John ForresterHertford All Saints (1978–1979), Hertford Kingsmead (1979–1980)1975-1978William StriplingSawbridgeworth1973-1975Lilian Lloyd TaylorLittle Hadham
See also East Hertfordshire District Council
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