Acting mayor of Leiden announced

Van der Velden has extensive managerial experience. In 2019 he was acting mayor of the municipality of Hoeksche Waard. Before that, he was acting mayor in Dordrecht in 2017. During his time in Dordrecht, he was chairman of the Drechtstedenbestuur (Drecht city board), the Drechtraad (Drecht Council) and the Veiligheidsregio (Security Region). From 1989 to 2014, Van der Velden was successively mayor of the municipalities of Nieuw-Ginneken, Rosmalen, Emmen, Bergen op Zoom and Breda. In the latter municipality he held the office of mayor from 2004 to 2014.

After a discussion with the confidential committee about the desired profile of the acting mayor, the King's Commissioner proposed Peter van der Velden. This was followed by a conversation between Peter van der Velden and the confidential committee. Rembrandt Rowaan, chairman of the confidential committee: “It was a good conversation. We recognize ourselves in the nomination of the Commissioner and look forward to his arrival with great confidence.”

Herring

Mayor Lenferink is pleased with the appointment. “I am very happy with that. Of course I know him. He's a very nice colleague. I just hope he likes herring, otherwise it will be a difficult October 3”, says Lenferink about his fellow party member.

Peter van de Velden is enthusiastic about Leiden and says he is looking forward to his temporary position. “Leiden is a special city with a rich culture, history and innovative character. The meeting with the committee went very well and gives me the energy to put my experience and background at the service of Leiden. In addition, I am very aware that it is not easy to fill this position now that Leiden is saying goodbye to an excellent mayor.”

Shortly after the announcement of the name of the acting mayor, he sent a message to Leiden. “I love herring”. 

Profile of the new mayor

The procedure for a new crown-appointed mayor for Leiden will start in March 2024. From October onwards, the confidential committee wants to draw up a profile with the city that the new mayor must meet. Rowaan: “Every resident is given the opportunity to provide input. The committee will also enter into discussions with organizations and institutions.”

The confidential committee draws up a profile that will be discussed and adopted in a public municipal council meeting in March 2024. The confidential committee hopes to submit the nomination for a new mayor to the municipal council in July 2024. The swearing in of the new mayor is scheduled for September 2024.