Mayor Peter Taylor Launches ‘Ambitious’ Manifesto ahead of elections

Peter Taylor, the Liberal Democrat Elected Mayor of Watford, has launched his manifesto ahead of the town’s mayoral election on 7 May. 

Key commitments include:

• Increase the number of award-winning Green Flag parks in Watford to 18 – with more accessible playgrounds, new water fountains, more trees, better paths and officer patrols to make the town’s parks even better.

• Open a new Museum of Watford at the Town Hall. There will also be a new Innovation Hub in the building, providing space for businesses to grow.

• Improve sports facilities, with a new cricket wicket in West Watford, better basketball facilities in North Watford and a new outdoor gym that can be used by teenagers.

• Arrange a Winter Ice Rink in the town centre - to support local businesses and offer residents and visitors an additional activity in the town.

• Fight for improvements to local public services such as the new hospital we were promised and better public transport.

• Keep increases in Watford Council’s share of council tax as low as possible, and never above the rate of inflation. 

Mayor Peter Taylor said, “It has been such a privilege to serve as Watford’s Mayor since 2018. My priority has always been to bring people together to make this a better town for everyone.

“We have achieved a lot and implemented over 95% of the commitments made in my manifesto in 2022. Last year Watford Council was named Council of the Year.

“These are likely to be the final few years of Watford Council before we are merged into one of the new councils the government is setting up. I want to make sure that in this time we make Watford even better.

“This manifesto includes commitments to make our parks even better, fight for Watford General to be rebuilt and a promise to keep Watford Council’s share of council tax as low as possible.

“It would such an honour to be re-elected to this role, so that I can continue to serve this town.”

Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrat MP for St Albans and Deputy Party Leader, was at the manifesto launch at the Pump House.

She said: “Peter and the Liberal Democrats in Watford have a fantastic record. I know that they have invested in excellent parks and leisure centres. They have campaigned with me for the much-needed investment to rebuild Watford General. In Watford, the Lib Dems are the only ones who keep in touch with residents all year round.

 “I know that Peter and his team will be campaigning hard in the weeks ahead. This ambitious manifesto sets out how they plan to make Watford an even better place for everyone – caring for the environment, investing in excellent facilities and keeping council tax as low as possible.”