Opinion, Watford Observer, 11 January 2026 2026 is a 'politically significant year for Watford' | Watford Observer
Firstly, let me wish readers of the Watford Observer and all local residents a Happy New Year.
It will be a politically significant year for Watford.
This May, unless they are cancelled at the last minute, we shall have what will almost certainly be the last elections for Watford Borough Council and the mayor.
The ongoing local government reorganisation will conclude for Hertfordshire by deciding how the existing two-tier county/borough model will be replaced by new single unitary authorities.
Hertfordshire councils have submitted three options. For Watford, this means we’ll certainly merge with the Three Rivers Council. After that it depends on the number of councils for the county.
Two or three new unitary authorities would mean we would form part of ‘west Herts’ with the county split with one or two borders running north/south. A four-council model would mean looking east and merging with Hertsmere.
Whatever happens it will mean local government will be less local. This is why the Conservative campaign to champion our local communities by forming their own town or parish councils is so important.
Watford is surrounded by parish councils but we have none here. If we could establish our own, this would mean local communities such as Garston, Oxhey and central Watford would have their own councils to look after local interests. We should get on with it without delay.
Nationally, we face enormous challenges as the Labour government, supported by our own MP, totters from one crisis to another whilst killing economic growth, raising taxes, and failing to improve public services.
2026 is bound to be challenging. I hope that for you, your families and friends, it is nonetheless a healthy and prosperous new year.
Stephen Woodard
Chairman, Watford Conservatives
