Leiden’s new mayor Peter Heijkoop

Heijkoop is at present an alderman in Dordrecht and can also be the deputy mayor there. (Photograph: Chris de Waard)

Peter Heijkoop (41, CDA) will grow to be the brand new mayor of Leiden. This was introduced on Tuesday night. Heijkoop might be put in as mayor on September 19.

Heijkoop is at present an alderman in Dordrecht and can also be the deputy mayor there. From 2011 to 2016 he was energetic in Dordrecht as a metropolis councilor on behalf of the CDA. Heijkoop studied in Rotterdam and at present lives in Dordrecht along with his spouse and 4 kids.

The longer term mayor will hold a low profile within the coming months. He’ll spend that point getting ready for his process and on the lookout for a house in Leiden.

Determined
After a protracted dialogue, Heijkoop was introduced on Tuesday because the successor of Henri Lenferink, who died final 12 months he introduced his retirement as mayor after greater than twenty years. The closed assembly of town council began the place an election from two candidates was made at 4 pm and it ought to have produced a consequence two hours later, however this was postponed a number of instances. Lastly, the title of the brand new mayor was introduced round 8:30 p.m.

The controversy might have taken so long as his celebration and his gender. Though mayors typically shouldn’t have a lot political profile, Heijkoop, as a member of the CDA, doesn’t belong to one of many largest events within the Leiden metropolis council. Earlier than the appointment, a number of events within the council additionally believed that it was time for a girl to be the mayor of Leiden.

Welcome
“It was a tough choice,” says the chairman of the key committee Rembrandt Rowaan. “Ultimately, it actually was higher. “

“It’s a nice honor to be named by town council of Leiden because the mayor of this stunning metropolis,” Heijkoop mentioned in response. “I am trying ahead to beginning a brand new chapter in our lives with my younger household on this welcoming metropolis. Along with residents, firms and organizations, I need to work on a future the place everybody feels at house and heard, and the place Leiden collaborates confidently and assertively in a vital space stuffed with alternatives. I need to be seen and approachable to all residents of Leiden, in good instances and unhealthy. “

Town council’s proposal to nominate Peter Heijkoop as the brand new mayor of Leiden has been despatched to the Minister of the Inside and Kingdom Relations. The official appointment is made by Royal Order, signed by the King. It is a formality.

Leiden Information