The Mayor of Hertford is elected by their fellow councillors at the first meeting of the Council in the municipal year. 

This meeting is more of a ceremonial event and is normally referred to as 'Mayor-making'. The Mayor will hold this post for one year and they do not have any political allegiances.

It was a historic first when Hertford Town Council held the ‘Mayor-making’ Ceremony virtually in May 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To view the ceremony online click here.

The Mayor’s role is to chair full meetings of the council in accordance with standing orders, and conduct the meeting in a fair and impartial manner. The Mayor also represents Hertford at civic events and functions each year, including award-giving receptions and local and community events. 

The Mayor will also host visits to the Mayor's Parlour at Hertford Castle for local schools, twinning groups and other organisations and voluntary groups.

The Sergeants at Mace

At major civic events, the robe, chain and badge of office are worn and the Mayor is preceded by the Sergeants at Mace, the Mace Bearer, Sword Bearer, and Honor Bearer. Stave Bearers are not officially SAM's but can also accompany the Mayor.

Nowadays the role of the SAMs is largely ceremonial, being primarily to attend and accompany the Mayor and council. They also assist the council in its civic functions which occur throughout the year and, most importantly, take personal responsibility for the safekeeping of the council's mace, sword, and honor at all such events. 

They lend gravitas to the varied functions that the Mayor and Councillors attend, and ensure that the traditions associated with the mayoralty are maintained.

They also are responsible for ensuring that, on civic ceremonial occasions, the Mayor is appropriately robed and wearing the mayoral chain and that, on such occasions, ceremonial robes are available for Councillors and the Town Clerk. 

The SAMs also ensure that the Mace, Sword, Honor, and all civic silver is kept in good order and clean.