New Chair ‘honoured’ to take on civic role

Cllr Stephen King, who represents the South Oxhey ward, took the reins as the district’s first citizen from previous Chair Cllr Raj Khiroya on 20 May. Cllr Tony Humphries will continue to serve as Vice-Chair.

The Chair’s role is a-political, presiding over Full Council meetings and officially representing the council at public engagements for a year. Cllr King will serve as Chair for the 2025/26 municipal year.

A ‘record of appreciation’ was gifted to Cllr Khiroya as a thank you for his time as Chair.

Cllr King said: “It is a great honour to serve as Chair, and I really am looking forward to touring the district and engaging with so many people and a wide variety of organisations that truly make our district great. I am, in particular, hoping to visit as many youth groups as possible, such as the Air Cadets, during my time as Chair.

“I hope to raise as much money as I can for my chosen charities, which are Oxhey Jets Youth Football Team and Ehlers-Danlos Support UK. These organisations are close to my heart as some of my family members sadly suffer from EDS and the Oxhey Jets have been absolutely amazing for our young people.

“I also want to support smaller charities, so please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of help in any way possible.”

Cllr King’s grandparents moved to South Oxhey in 1949. Born in London in 1965, Cllr King moved to the estate after growing up in Southwark, South London, at the age of nine. He has lived in the area ever since.

He was educated at Oxhey Wood Primary School in Oxhey Drive and completed his education at the now demolished Sir James Altham Secondary School on the estate.

Cllr King was first elected in 1996 for Ashridge ward and then moved over to Hayling ward in 1999. He later became a South Oxhey councillor in 2016 following the ward boundary changes a few years prior.

His wife, Cllr Joan King, will be his consort, who also represents the South Oxhey ward and first became a councillor in 1982. The couple will soon be celebrating their 30th anniversary. “Joan is my rock and my world,” Cllr King said.

Cllr King also serves as a parish councillor for Watford Rural Parish Council and represents Hayling ward.

He is a keen supporter of Millwall Football Club and has an interest in the English Civil War, traveling, metal detecting, and was involved in English Civil War enactments. He is a former standard bearer for the Royal British Legion, and used to work as a locksmith, but is now a full-time carer for his wife.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Cllr King was proposed to be Chair by Cllr Stephen Cox, Leader of the Labour Group, and was seconded by Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council and Liberal Democrats Group.

The appointment of Chair is on an annual rotation basis and is based on a points system.