Conservative councillor Prerna Bhardwaj has been elected as the new mayor and chair of Gerrards Cross Town Council.

She was elected to the position for the civic year 2024 to 2025 at the council’s recent annual statutory meeting and replaces the last mayor Brian Peck.

The meeting also confirmed that her fellow councillor Jaspal Chhokar will serve as the deputy mayor of Gerrards Cross.

Born in Essex, Cllr Bhardwaj ‘brings a wealth of experience’ to the running of the town, the council said.

Having worked in finance and media in the City of London and internationally, she now resides in Gerrards Cross with her young family.

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Cllr Bhardwaj expressed her thanks for being elected, saying that it was her ‘honour and privilege’ to take on the role.

In a statement, she said: “It is my aim to use this role to help local charities and enhance our local environment.

“Being the first female mayor, I intend to inspire more women and young individuals to be active in politics and I look forward to meeting and working with local residents, businesses and community groups.”

The council celebrated the election of the town’s first female mayor as ‘a historic moment for Gerrards Cross’.

In her register of interests, Cllr Bhardwaj said she was a legal and regulatory consultant for real estate firm Linetex investments, where her partner is also a director.

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