The County Council held an extraordinary meeting to appoint Honorary Aldermen, recognising the distinguished service of 22 former councillors. All nominations were carried with a unanimous vote, acknowledging their significant contributions to Hertfordshire.

Appointment of Honorary Aldermen

The County Council appointed 22 individuals as Honorary Aldermen in recognition of their eminent services to the people of Hertfordshire. This honour is conferred under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, requiring a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. Each nominee was proposed and seconded, with their service to the council detailed before the vote.

The following individuals were appointed:

• David Andrews: Served as a County Councillor from 2009 to 2025.
• Philip John Bibby: Served as a County Councillor from 2009 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2025.
• Stephen John Boulton: Served as a County Councillor from 2017 to 2025.
• Anne Patricia Brewster: Served as a County Councillor from 2017 to 2023.
• Robert Cyril Deering: Served as a County Councillor from 2017 to 2025.
• Terence Liam Francis Douris: Served as a County Councillor from 2009 to 2025.
• Lesley Jane Greensmyth: Served as a County Councillor from 2018 to 2025.
• Teresa Catherine Heritage: Served as a County Councillor from 2008 to 2025.
• Fiona Ronan Greenwood Hill: Served as a County Councillor from 2009 to 2025.
• Nicholas Arnold Hollinghurst: Served as a County Councillor from 2005 to 2021.
• Terence William Hone: Served as a County Councillor from 2009 to 2025.
• Jeffery Richard Jones: Served as a County Councillor from 2017 to 2025.
• Asif Kaleem Khan: Served as a County Councillor from 2017 to 2025.
• David Edward Lloyd: Served as a County Councillor from 1999 to 2017.
• Paul Vincent Mason: Served as a County Councillor from 2013 to 2025.
• Mark Bevis James Mills-Bishop: Served as a County Councillor from 2013 to 2025.
• Baroness Sharon Jane Taylor: Served as a County Councillor from 2008 to 2024.
• Richard Arthur Charles Thake: Served as a County Councillor from 2006 to 2025.
• Christopher James White: Served as a County Councillor from 1993 to 2025.

During the meeting, the Chairman, Councillor Laurence Brass, provided historical context for the role of Honorary Aldermen, tracing its origins back to Anglo-Saxon times. He noted that while the Local Government Act 1972 abolished the voting rights of aldermen, councils retain the power to create honorary aldermen as a reward for distinguished service. The legislation requires a two-thirds majority of those attending the meeting to approve each nomination.

The meeting was also noted as being the last to be held in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Hertford, which had been in use for 86 years. Future meetings will be held at the Council's Stevenage Campus. The proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.