The Liberal Democrats have unveiled their candidates for the upcoming county council elections in Watford.
The six candidates who will stand in the elections are Richard Short for North Watford, Aga Dychton for West Watford, Tim Williams for Woodside Stanborough, Mark Watkin for Nascot Park, Penelope Hill for Meriden Tudor, and Peter Taylor for Central Watford and Oxhey. Voters will elect their councillors and mayor on Thursday, May 1.
A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said that the councillors have a “proud record of delivering real change and success in Watford”.
They added: “Significant achievements include improvements to parks and green spaces, such as the award-winning Oxhey Activity Park; planting over 20,000 trees, the highest number of any area in the country; installing the most EV charging points; launching the Green Loop; and protecting our local environment through projects like the restoration of the River Colne.”
The Lib Dem-run council was recently named the best in the UK, winning the prestigious Council of the Year award at the iESE Awards.
The top priorities of the candidates are to campaign for the rebuilding of Watford General Hospital, tackle potholes and improve transport, continue enhancing our parks and green spaces, and ensure Watford has a strong voice and its interest protected.
Elected Mayor Peter Taylor said: “These elections are crucial for the future of our town. In the next couple of years, the government will replace borough and county councils with much larger unitary councils. Watford Council and the elected Mayor role will cease to exist.
“I am standing to be a county councillor because I want to ensure Watford gets the best possible deal in this reorganisation. This means being able to speak up for our area and our town at County Hall.
“To influence this process for our town’s benefit, I am standing as a county council candidate in Central Watford and Oxhey.
“My top priority is making sure Watford has a strong influence in shaping these new arrangements. Our town’s identity and priorities must not be lost in a larger unitary council as we face ongoing uncertainty about the future.
“I will also be fighting hard for improved public transport, better support for local school children, and to end the county’s scandalous neglect of our roads and pavements. For decades the county council has been led by Conservative politicians – it is now time for a change of direction.”
Aga Dychton has been a Watford borough councillor since 2016. She currently serves as the Deputy Mayor and is a Watford cabinet member for community. She lives in West Watford and is passionate about her work at Watford General Hospital.
Richard Short was elected as a councillor in North Watford in 2024 with 52 per cent of the vote. He has lived in the division for many years and used to announce Watford FC’s arrival onto the pitch at Vicarage Road.
Penelope Hill has been a Watford borough councillor since 2023. With a background in education, she is passionate about sustainability and advocating for environmentally friendly transport initiatives.
Tim Williams was first elected to Hertfordshire County Council in 2017. He leads for the party on resources at County Hall and is a passionate advocate for parks and open spaces, improving sports and leisure facilities for people of all ages.
Mark Watkin was first elected to Hertfordshire County Council in 2009. He leads for the Liberal Democrats on education and SEND provisions, and is committed to improving support for children with special educational needs.
Peter Taylor has been the Elected Mayor of Watford since 2018. Peter lives with his family in Oxhey and wants to ensure Watford has a strong voice in discussions about new councils being created in the county.
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