Conservative Cllr Terry Douris has been re-elected as chairman of Hertfordshire County Council for a second year.

The chairman acts as the county council's civic and ceremonial representative, as well as chairing meetings of the full council.

And Cllr Douris – who represents the Bridgwater division, in Hemel Hempstead – was unanimously re-elected at the annual meeting of the council on Tuesday (May 21).

Nominating Cllr Douris for the role, Conservative leader of the council Cllr Richard Roberts said he couldn't thank Cllr Douris enough for "following on the tradition of exemplary relationship between ourselves and the civic realm".

And seconding the unopposed nomination was deputy leader of the council  Cllr Fiona Thomson, who praised Cllr Douris as "a wonderful ambassador for Hertfordshire".

"He has carried out his duties with charm and decorum; visiting night shelters, attending scout parades, civic  services and most recently acting as master of ceremonies at our care leaver covenant signing," said Cllr Thomson.

"Hugely respected across the county, Terry has chaired meetings in his own unique style – keeping us in check when needed, with his fairness and impartiality. And I'm pleased to second this nomination."

Following the election Cllr Douris thanked councillors for their "vote of confidence".

And he said: "I have had a great year. I intend to continue in the format of promoting the county council and the county.

"Because we are hugely fortunate, I think, to live, work, play and do business in Hertfordshire – and we should never forget that."

Cllr Douris said Hertfordshire was a "great county" and a "county of opportunity".

At the same meeting Conservative Cllr Lesley Greensmyth – who represents the Goffs Oak and Bury Green divisions – was re-elected as vice-chairman of the council.

Making the nomination, Cllr Roberts said he thought she had done an "excellent job".

And Cllr Thomson said she had been hugely supportive of Cllr Douris, a wonderful community champion and she said her record of public service was well known.