Rabbi Alan Plancey is starting a second stint as Mayor of Hertsmere following the death of the previous incumbent, Councillor Cynthia Barker.

The emeritus minister of Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue was inaugurated at Wednesday’s council meeting and will serve until May 2021. He had previously held the office from May 2019 until this June, when Cllr Barker succeeded him.

“There can be no sadder set of circumstances to be inaugurated as Mayor than the present situation,” he said.

"My thoughts have been and continue to be with Cynthia's friends and family at this time.

"I will aim to do my absolute best to serve as Mayor for the duration of the term and hold this office with the dignity and authority that Cynthia brought to the role.

“I look forward to, once again, serving the community of Hertsmere in whatever way I can.”

When starting his first term of office, the Tory councillor told the JC that civic office was an opportunity to show the Jewish community being beneficially involved in the wider world.

“It is important, especially when antisemitism is on the rise and there is so much negativity around. I want to show the positive impact the Jewish community can have on society. As a councillor and rabbi I’ve made friends across the borough from all different backgrounds.”

He will be supporting mental health charity Mind and Camp Simcha, which aids seriously ill children and their families.