Councillor Morris Bright MBE has been elected Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere, continuing a family tradition of public service that stretches back to the Second World War.
Cllr Bright was born just one month after the death of his paternal grandfather and was named in his honour. His grandfather, Morris Blitz, became a councillor in Hackney in 1943 and went on to become the borough’s first Jewish Labour Mayor in 1959. Cllr Bright’s father, Jack Bright, also served in local government as a Liberal councillor in Hackney during the 1970s.
Hertsmere’s new Deputy Mayor was first elected as a Conservative councillor for Elstree Ward in 1999. He served as Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council for 16 years, from 2007 to 2023 – longer than any other council leader in the borough’s history. In 2018, he was awarded an MBE in Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year Honours for services to local government.
Speaking after his appointment, Cllr Bright said:
“This was never a position I had ever sought. It took the words of others from across the political spectrum to make me realise that, as Hertsmere looks set to undergo significant change as part of Local Government Reform over the coming years, I would indeed like to begin to follow in the footsteps of the grandfather I was named after but never had the opportunity to meet.
“This is a huge honour, especially as my appointment was supported unanimously across the council chamber. I was very touched by the support from councillors of all political hues.”
The Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Parveen Rani, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Cllr Bright as Deputy Mayor. His decades of service to Hertsmere and its residents speak for themselves, and his experience, dedication and commitment to public service will be a tremendous asset in the role.
“I look forward to working closely with him during the coming year as we represent the borough and celebrate the many individuals, organisations and volunteers who make Hertsmere such a special place.”
Cllr Bright also proudly announced that his youngest son, Jonah, aged 16, will accompany and support him throughout the year in the role of Deputy Mayoral Escort.