The Welwyn Hatfield Labour party are proud to present our labour candidates in the Borough Council Elections on May 7th.
These elections are crucial, so please do have your postal vote ready or get down to your polling station to vote Labour on May 7th!
Pankit Shah for Hatfield Central
I am honoured to have represented Hatfield Central as your hard-working local councillor for over 10 years.
Having lived in Hatfield for over 24 years with my young family, I understand the challenges and opportunities our community faces. My commitment is simple: to be your voice at Welwyn Hatfield Council and to fight for a fairer, stronger Hatfield.
In 2023, I was proud to serve as Mayor — the first Labour and British Indian Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield — a milestone that reflects our shared values of inclusion and community.
Max Holloway for Howlands
Hello, my name’s Max and it has been a huge privilege to represent our community as your local Councillor for the past 10 years.
I’ve lived in Welwyn Garden City all my life and live in a flat here in Howlands. I use our local shops, services and parks daily – so I see what you see.
Over the last decade, you’ve put your trust in me three times and I have never taken that for granted – I have always tried to help where I can. When I was last elected, I promised to put Howlands first and work hard to improve our borough. During my time as Leader of the Council, I did my best to do just that.
Sarah Ellingworth for Haldens
I have lived in Welwyn Garden City for 22 years and have raised my family here. For the last 12 years I have worked in the local NHS, helping to plan and deliver services in general practice.
I have always played an active role in our community and have enjoyed making a positive difference. I have served as a primary school governor, secured Lottery funding for children’s play areas and helped run local, volunteer led toddler groups. I was also part of the Welwyn Hatfield community’s support for Ukrainian families and welcomed a Ukrainian refugee into my home.
Lynn Chesterman for Hollybush
I have lived in Welwyn Hatfield for over 50 years with her family. My children were brought up in the Borough and my grandchildren were born here. I am proud to serve the community of Hollybush as a borough councillor and hold regular surgeries to listen to the concerns of residents and help wherever possible.
My professional career started in social services before I moved on to be CEO of a local charity for older people and then a national charity for children and vulnerable families, receiving an OBE in recognition of this work.
You may have seen me out and about over the last year during my time as Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield – an experience that has only strengthened my commitment to you and local groups.
James Broach for Hatfield Villages
It has been an honour to represent you and our community in Hatfield Villages for the past 10 years. Thank you for placing your trust in me.
have lived in Hatfield since 2005 and am proud to call this town my home.
I understand the challenges our community faces and if re-elected in May, I will continue to work hard to improve Hatfield for everyone and make sure it remains a great place to live.
Hatfield Villages has a fantastic community spirit – it has been a privilege to work alongside so many residents who care deeply about our neighbourhoods and the community we live in.
Vaishali Shah for Hatfield East
I am proud to call Hatfield my home. I have lived here for nearly 20 years with my young family, and I care deeply about our community, our neighbourhoods, and our future.
Working in the education sector, I see every day how important it is that residents feel heard, supported and valued.
I have been involved in local community and charity work for many years, supporting residents and championing local causes to deliver real improvements. During my role as Mayor’s Consort, I was actively involved in community events, supporting charities, small businesses and strengthening relationships across the borough.
Ros Cloke for Welwyn West
Since moving to Welwyn Hatfield in 2023, I’ve dedicated my time to volunteering and supporting our local community. As a former librarian and primary school teacher, I am deeply passionate about supporting families and ensuring every child in our ward gets the very best start in life. I’m standing to bring that same care and professional experience to the council, fighting for the services our community relies on.
Andy Osborne for Panshanger
I am committed to listening to local residents and improving the communities in which we live. I believe a Labour-run council can truly improve the lives of Hertfordshire residents, and as your councillor, I want to be part of that.
In standing for the council, I am building on many years of experience in service to the community. My family and I have lived in Hertfordshire for 15 years, and I work locally in the agriculture sector. I have served as a parish councillor and chaired its environment committee, where I worked on key strategies and plans. As a community campaigner and volunteer, I have fundraised for local causes and supported many community events. I am also particularly committed to the proper maintenance of our local footpaths.
I believe I can represent you effectively if elected to the council. I will listen to you, understand your needs, and actively pursue your cases. I am fully committed to making a positive impact on our local area.
Darren Lewis – Peartree
I am a long-standing resident of Welwyn Garden City and have brought my family up here. I help coach a local rugby team and I care deeply about making sure there are positive activities and support for young adults and kids. I was also previously a trustee of a charity helping young homeless people here in Peartree. Working in market research, it is my business to understand what people want and if elected as your councillor, I will work hard to make sure I represent your views on Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.
Sarah Dolton – Sherrards
I have lived in Welwyn Garden City for a long time and this is the community my family calls home – our children go to school here, we shop locally, and we spend our time in the parks, town centre and local community spaces that make this such a special place to live. With over 25 years’ experience in banking, technology, and governance, I bring strong financial judgement, a focus on managing risk, and an ability to navigate complex decisions. I would use this experience to help Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council deliver efficient, modern services while ensuring taxpayers’ money is spent responsibly for the benefit of residents across Sherrards.
Perry Hewitt for Welham Green and Hatfield South
I’m Perry, your Labour candidate for Welham Green and Hatfield South. Working at the Tesco Head Office in the wider borough, I understand our local economy and the pressures facing people in our community. I am committed to protecting our village identity, improving local services, and being an accessible voice for everybody in Welham Green and Hatfield South.
George Von Bulow for Welwyn East
My name is George von Bülow, I live with my wife in Oaklands Welwyn and have recently retired after a career in Information Technology. I love living in Welwyn and am a keen and regular walker in the area. I am pleased to be an active volunteer for the conservation group, Friends of Mardley Heath, where we help maintain this local nature reserve for us all to enjoy.
I’m excited to be standing as your Labour councillor, because I’d like to give back to a community that has been my home for 39 years and is the place where we raised our son.
Peter Costello for Welwyn East
Sheila Barrett for Brookmans Park
As your Labour candidate for Brookmans Park, I will draw on my experience running a local Rainbow group, to help our children get off to the best start in life. I will work to reverse the rise in anti-social behaviour caused by cuts to children’s services and will fight to ensure our community remains a safe, supportive environment for every generation.
Steve Plume for Handside
I’m Stephen, your candidate for Handside. I am standing to ensure our ward has a proactive representative who will listen to residents and fight for the high-quality local services we deserve. My priority is to be an accessible voice on the council.
Kamal for Hatfield South West
My family and I have lived in Hatfield for over 20 years, and I am proud to call it home. As a trade union representative, I have worked tirelessly to listen to people, promote equality, fight for better pay and conditions, and ensure our local communities have a voice in decision-making. Through my former role as a housing officer, I also gained unique insights into the challenges people face in accessing safe and affordable housing.
I am standing to be your councillor because I believe Hatfield South residents deserve better: better services, better opportunities, and a local representative who will fight for the community.
I want to see safer streets, stronger public services, and a council that puts people first. That means tackling the crisis in social care, improving public transport, and properly maintaining our roads and footpaths. Labour has a plan to invest in our future. If elected, I will work tirelessly to protect our green spaces, support local businesses, and ensure every resident has access to the services they need.
Hatfield South deserves a councillor who will listen, act, and deliver. Vote for me, Kamal Hussain. Vote Labour for a fresh start.
Laura Cook for Northaw and Cuffley
I’m your candidate for Northaw and Cuffley. As a policy professional with lived experience of disability, I’ve dedicated my career to social inclusion, including authoring the Working for Change report which successfully shifted government policy. I will bring this expertise to the council to ensure our community is accessible, inclusive, and fair for everyone.