Following the local elections in May, North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) now comprises 25 Labour, 19 Liberal Democrat, and 7 Conservative councillors. With no party holding overall control, Labour has governed as a minority administration, led by Councillor Daniel Allen.

Cllr Allen, well-acquainted with Hitchin, attended Hitchin Boys' School, has worked locally for years, and currently serves as President of the Hitchin Branch of the Royal British Legion. Outside local government, he's an avid wrestling fan and works as a ring announcer. Now, he's wrestling with the challenges of leading the council amidst a notable divergence from his former coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats, who recently criticized changes to waste collection services.

As Cllr Allen approaches six months in his role, Hitchin Nub News caught up with him to discuss his journey and vision.

HNN: Why did you decide to run for Leader?

Cllr Allen: "It's a big role, and Elizabeth (Cllr Dennis) did an amazing job in the Joint Administration. I was asked to stand and the group felt it was time for a change. North Herts is now a Labour-run council."

HNN: How has the experience been so far?

Cllr Allen: "Really positive. We've established a strong Cabinet, blending experienced members with new voices. We don't have to water down our goals to fit others' agendas. We're committed to our fully-costed manifesto and can focus on what we believe is best for the community."

HNN: Why did you first become a councillor?

Cllr Allen: "I've been a councillor for over six years. I ran because I got tired of just complaining. If you're unhappy with something, you should try to change it. Serving as Chair of the Council was incredible, especially working with local charities."

HNN: What have been the highlights of your time as Leader so far?

Cllr Allen: "After I became Leader, I managed to get all three North Herts MPs together in the council building for the first time in fifteen years. We'll need to collaborate closely, especially with some big planning issues on the horizon."

HNN: What's it like working alongside your wife as a fellow councillor?

Cllr Allen: "Amy served as a Cabinet member for three years before I became Leader. She's always told me what to do—things might change a tiny bit now!"

HNN: What's your vision for Hitchin?

Cllr Allen: "Although I represent Norton in Letchworth, I serve the entire district. My vision for Hitchin includes the new Town Centre Strategy coming in early 2025, which has been in the works for years.

"Hitchin has so much going on. Charnwood House needs thoughtful development. We're also working on the Hitchin Riverwalk to make the River Hiz accessible throughout the town center, along with decarbonizing Hitchin Pool and redeveloping its facilities. Then, of course, there are the fantastic events at Hitchin Town Hall."

HNN: What are your thoughts on the future of Churchgate?

Cllr Allen: "I'm really excited about Churchgate. It's long overdue for an overhaul—it's unattractive and lacks the right shops. Now that we own it, we have the power to shape its redevelopment.

"We've had over 1,300 responses to the Churchgate consultation so far. It has got huge potential not just for a market and retail but for residential, car parking, for community assets, for youth provision. This is a 5-acre site that will be able to be used. It's so exciting".

"If you want to have a redevelopment of that size you will have to have residential in there otherwise it won't be financially viable."

"It's not going to happen overnight. After consultation, we'll move into the design and master planning stages, then on to planning approval. In an ideal world, I'd love to see work start by 2028."

HNN: What are your views on establishing a Hitchin Town Council?

Cllr Allen: "A town council is up to the residents. If they want to increase their council tax to invest in one, that's their decision. If the people of Hitchin choose that path, we'd be happy to work with them."

HNN: How has being Leader affected your life outside of politics?

Cllr Allen: "It's had a big impact. I quit a part-time job to focus on being Leader full-time, but councillor allowances make that challenging. I've had to give up a lot of things I enjoyed and worry I'm not spending enough time with my kids. My days are full of meetings with council staff, followed by political meetings in the evenings."

HNN: Lastly, who was the better wrestler at their peak—The Undertaker or Bret 'The Hitman' Hart?

Cllr Allen: "Without a doubt, Bret. Best there is, best there was, best there ever will be."