The Mayor

Hertford's Mayor, Peter Ruffles, was installed at a private ceremony at the Castle in May.

Cllr Ruffles is an old Hertford boy who has served the Town Council for nearly 30 years. This is his second time as a Mayor, the first being 20 years ago. He is also a District and County Councillor and churchwarden of one of the larger town churches.

His life in Hertford has given him a good working knowledge and love for the community and it's institutions and people. A secondary school master for 36 years, he also works for several charities.

His chosen charities are The St.John's Ambulance and Victim Support (which he initiated locally 20 years ago).

He also acts as a Home Office Inspector of Prisoner Care in Magistrates and Crown Courts in Herts, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

Of himself, he says that he is not the epitome of sartorial elegance in his daily life - he's inclined to sandals and push-biking rather than a suit and tie - he nevertheless is keen to maintain town heritage traditions and standards.

The role of Mayor is principally a symbolic one, with the post being held for 12 months and elected by the full town council.

Hertford Mayor, Sally Newton
Photo courtesy of
Hertford Town Council

The current Mayor is Sally Newton.

Past mayors include:-

• Brenda Haddock (2010-11)
• David Poole (2009-10)
• Kim Darby (2008-9)
• Russell Radford (2007-8)
• Sally Newton (2006-7)
• Nicholas Wilson (2005-6)
• Peter Ruffles (2004-5)
• John Cook (2003-4)
• Alan White (2002-3)
• Diane Desmullie (2001-2)
• Richard Ovenden (2000-1)
• Colin Harris (1999-2000)

More information about The Mayor can be found on the Town Council's website here