We are delighted to share that our longstanding Board Member Cllr Sharon Taylor OBE, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, has been appointed to the House of Lords.

Mark Bretton, Chair of Hertfordshire LEP and the LEP Network, said: "Sharon is a highly respected member of our Board and has been a huge contributor to the LEP.

"She is also a great advocate for the development of Stevenage, and we were delighted to support Stevenage Borough Council's bids for Growth Deal funding to bring to life the programmes that are now transforming the town under her guidance. Her recognition is hugely and richly deserved and we look forward to seeing her make her mark in Westminster."

Stevenage Borough Council's spokesperson said: "Cllr Taylor has served the community since her election as local councillor in 1997, and as the Leader of the Council for the last 16 years. Alongside her council duties, she has played a leading role in local community and voluntary groups in Stevenage including a local education charity, tackling domestic abuse and as a food bank volunteer.

"She has made significant contributions to local government across the country, taking leading roles in the Local Government Association, Chairing the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network and the District Councils Network. As a County Councillor and a member of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Board, she has worked to support business growth opportunities for Stevenage and Hertfordshire.

"We wish Cllr Taylor every success as she represents the community and wider local government sector in her new role."

Congratulations Sharon!

View the full list of Political Peerages 2022 published Friday, 14 October.