A Stevenage Borough Council spokesperson said:

“We offer our warmest congratulations to Cllr Sharon Taylor OBE, who has been nominated to sit as a peer in the House of Lords. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the dedication she has shown in supporting the community, town and council over many years and her great determination to improve opportunities for the people of Stevenage.

“Cllr Taylor has served the community since her election as local councillor in 1997, and as the Leader of the Council for the last 16 years.

“Alongside her council duties, she has played a leading role in local community and voluntary groups in Stevenage including a local education charity, tackling domestic abuse and as a food bank volunteer. She has made significant contributions to local government across the country, taking leading roles in the Local Government Association, Chairing the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network and the District Councils Network. As a County Councillor and a member of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Board, she has worked to support business growth opportunities for Stevenage and Hertfordshire.

“We wish Cllr Taylor every success as she represents the community and wider local government sector in her new role.”

Cllr Taylor will stand down as the Leader of Stevenage Borough Council to take up her seat in the House of Lords. We will update on arrangements for the appointment of a new Leader of the Council in due course and she will remain a local councillor in Stevenage until the 2024 elections.