Rabbi Plancey re-appointed Hertsmere Mayor following death of incumbent

Jewish politician who served from May 2019 until June of this year said there is 'no sadder set of circumstances to be inaugurated'

Rabbi Alan Plancey has been re-appoint as Mayor of Hertsemere following the death of the incumbent.

The Jewish politician was handed the mayoral chains in a ceremony this week, saying there are “no sadder set of circumstances to be inaugurated”, following the death of Councillor Cynthia Barker.

Plancey, who served in the position from May 2019 until June of this year, was inaugurated at the Hertsmere Borough Council’s full council meeting on Wednesday, as he paid tribute to Cllr Baker.

“Cynthia was incredibly proud and honoured to be made Mayor of Hertsmere and her passing was a terribly premature end to her tenure. My thoughts have been and continue to be with Cynthia’s friends and family at this time”, he said.

Saying he will do his “absolute best” and serve “with the dignity and authority that Cynthia brought to the role”, rabbi Plancey thanked supporters from his previous term and said: “I look forward to, once again, serving the community of Hertsmere, in whatever way I can.”

During the rest of his term, he will be supporting mental health charity Mind, and Jewish organisation Camp Simcha, which supports families coping with serious childhood illness. More than £1,500 was raised for the NSPCC in memory of Cllr Barker.