Mayor of Dacorum
The Mayor of Dacorum for 2021-2022: Councillor Stewart Riddick
The Mayor is the first citizen of the borough and is elected to the post by fellow councillors at the annual meeting of the Council in May each year. The role of Mayor is a non-political position and during the mayoral year, a Mayor puts aside Council duties to concentrate on the role as the town's first citizen.
In addition to chairing the Council meeting, the Mayor attends many different types of functions throughout the borough. These include representing the Council at civic functions, receiving dignitaries, attending formal dinners and church services, opening events, talking to clubs and societies and visiting schools. On occasions, the Mayor hosts visits to the Mayor's Parlour from various groups or organisations. The Mayor also has a deputy to stand in if they are unavailable.
The Mayor's correct title is The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Dacorum.
Councillor John Birnie was appointed Deputy Mayor for 2021-2022. Cllr Birnie has been a Dacorum Borough Councillor since 2015, representing Adeyfield East ward.
The Mayor's charity
The Mayor's charity for this year is DENS. Established 16 years ago, DENS provides a range of support facilities to help rebuild the lives of those that have encountered unprecedented difficulties in their lives. During the pandemic, DENS was only able to continue providing these essential local support services due to the generosity and donations it received from individuals and local businesses, as well as the additional support from a team of dedicated volunteers. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Mayor's Office.
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Request the Mayor's attendance
The Mayor will only be able to attend events where current Government COVID-19 guidelines are being met. Please do not invite the Mayor to an event unless you are able to clearly indicate how you are adhering to the rules currently in place.
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Latest news
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About the Mayor
Stewart Riddick has acted as Deputy Mayor for the past two years. He has lived in Dacorum for 43 years and has served as a Councillor for Dacorum Borough Council since 2015, representing Bovingdon, Flaunden and Chipperfield, including sitting on a number of committees within the Council.
In 1962, Stewart started his professional career in architecture, surveying and project management with Wyvern Design Group, in Swindon. After working in various different posts, in 1972, Stewart established his own practice, Stewart K Riddick and Partners, which went on to be ranked within Building Design's Top 100 UK Architectural Practices.
Over time, Stewart's Group of Companies acquired two long-established professional firms, one of which was Fuller, Hall and Foulsham, a practice based in Hemel Hempstead; and originally appointed by the Commission for New Towns, for the overall design and master planning of Hemel Hempstead. Stewart also set up Opus Projects in Berkhamsted, a project management company, specialising in large-scale commercial and leisure projects both in the UK and overseas.
Having semi-retired in 1996, Stewart made the decision to sell his businesses. After retiring, he continued with a number of freelance consultancy projects in different organisations and councils. As a Liveryman, Stewart received the Freedom of the City of London in 1980 and served as Master to the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers, one of the City of London’s Livery companies, and remains on the Court of Assistants. Stewart is currently a Director and Trustee of the Douglas Bader Foundation, a charity specialising in helping amputees and the disabled.
Outside of work, Stewart is married to Vicky and they have two sons, Simon and Jonathon. Stewart and Vicky moved to Box Lane, Hemel Hempstead, in 1978 and both of their sons attended school in the borough.
Contact information
Address:
Mayor's Office
Dacorum Borough Council
The Forum
Marlowes
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP1 1DN
Telephone: 01442 228202
Email: mayors.secretary@dacorum.gov.uk
