Victor Eni is the new mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood

Victor Eni was elected yesterday at a full town council meeting in Fairway Hall in Borehamwood.

He replaces Eric Silver who described it as a "complete privilege to represent the people of the town".

Cllr Eni, who represents the Brookmeadow ward for the town council, was previously deputy mayor. He becomes the first ever African mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood.

New mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood Victor Eni with the mayoress Martine

Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, he grew up alongside his mother and siblings after his father died when Cllr Eni was very young.

After completing school, Cllr Eni became involved with the Nzuko Arochukwu organisation and began working with young people, before an opportunity arose to study in England.

He seized the chance and obtained his BA (Hons) in Business and Law at the University of Hertfordshire.

Outgoing mayor Eric Silver (left) with Martine, former mayoress Evelyn, and new mayor Cllr Eni

Being an Aro man, Cllr Eni joined Nzuko Aro UK.

Living in Hertsmere, Cllr Eni began getting involved in local groups such as the Elstree & Borehamwood twin town association and Hertsmere Neighbourhood Watch, while in 2009, he joined the local branch of the Conservative Party. In 2015, he won seats in Borehamwood, in the town and district elections.

Cllr Eni is married to Martine and has three children.

Victor Eni with friends and family

Following his election, Cllr Eni said: "I am honoured and humbled to be elected mayor for this municipal year.

"I thank my colleagues for the trust they have put in me. I have chosen Hertsmere Mencap as the charity I will be supporting.

"I am also interested in supporting groups and social organisations to promote and bring people of Elstree and Borehamwood together."

Outgoing mayor Cllr Silver added: "I would like to thank everyone for all their support over the last year. Myself and my wife Evelyn have attended nearly 140 events over the year, and we have raised around £5,000 for our charity of the year, the new dementia club of Elstree and Borehamwood."