New Chair and Vice-Chair appointed
The chain of office was formally passed to Cllr Keith Martin, who returns to the role of Chair of Three Rivers District Council.
Cllr Martin, who represents the Oxhey Hall & Hayling ward, took the reins as the district’s first citizen from previous Chair, former councillor Stephen King, at the Annual Council on Tuesday 19 May. Cllr Reena Ranger OBE, who represents the Moor Park and Eastbury ward, will 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 Martin will serve as Chair for the 2026/27 municipal year.
Cllr Martin, who was first elected to the council in October 2017, has lived in the area for more than 60 years and went to Malvern Way, Harvey Road, and Durrants local schools. He has two children and his wife, Liz Martin – who have been married for 11 years – will be his Consort for the year.
Cllr Martin said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be elected back as Chair of the Council. The last time I was Chair was during the Covid Pandemic in 2020 and 2021, so I sadly didn’t get the chance to achieve everything in my tenures. I very much look forward to touring the district and meeting with as many communities as possible.
“My chosen charity is UK Sepsis Trust, which aims to end preventable deaths and improve outcomes for sepsis survivors while raising awareness of this serious condition. Sepsis is a life-threatening response to an infection and kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer. Sadly, my mother and my wife’s young colleague passed away from sepsis so I will do everything I can to raise as much money and awareness of sepsis as possible.”
Cllr Ranger was first elected to the council in 2014 and first moved to the area in 2000 and came back to the area 16 years ago. Her husband, Harmeet Singh Ahuja, is her Consort.
The newly elected Vice-Chair said: “I am delighted to be Vice-Chair of the district council, and I look forward to working with Cllr Martin to represent the council with honour and integrity as well as serving the district to the best of our abilities.”
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