Hof van Twente welcomes 25 new council members after record voter turnout
Hof van Twente has sworn in 25 new municipal council members, marking a fresh start for local governance. With voter turnout rising to 64%, residents showed strong engagement in shaping their community’s future. The council now includes new factions and faces the task of balancing diverse interests.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Hof van Twente |
| Date of Installation | April 1, 2026 |
| Total Council Members | 25 |
| Voter Turnout | 64% (18,510 voters, up from 56% in 2022) |
| New Factions | BBB, Forum voor Democratie, PvdA/GroenLinks/In Beweging (new alliance) |
| New Council Members | 11 (see full list in article) |
| Mayor | Ellen Nauta-van Moorsel |
The municipal council of Hof van Twente is responsible for local governance, including policy-making, budget allocation, and representing residents' interests. As the democratic body of the municipality, it ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making processes that directly affect daily life in the region.
Read the full translated article below
Installation of new municipal council members in Hof van Twente
On the evening of Wednesday, April 1, the 25 members of the new municipal council of Hof van Twente were installed. In a packed council chamber, Mayor Ellen Nauta-van Moorsel addressed the assembly and administered the oath and promise.
The mayor reflected on the high turnout in the municipal elections: “We are proud that voter turnout was higher than four years ago, and that I didn’t even have to promise to go abseiling off the television tower in Markelo to achieve it. A total of 18,510 people cast their votes—about 64% of all eligible voters (compared to 56% in 2022).” She praised the volunteers, young and old, who stepped up to staff polling stations, count votes, and ensure the process ran smoothly.
Three “new” factions in the Hof van Twente council
Two entirely new factions have joined the council in Hof van Twente: the BBB faction and the Forum voor Democratie faction. The PvdA/GroenLinks/In Beweging alliance participated in the elections for the first time in this configuration.
11 new council members
- Miriam Doeschot-Reuver (CDA)
- Arjan Mulder (CDA)
- Eric Rikkert (CDA)
- Arjan Zandvoort (CDA)
- Kim Nijland-Scholten (CDA)
- Arjan Dijkmans (CDA)
- Herbert Hargeerds (CDA)
- Eveline Kroes-Dijkdrenth (PvdA / GROENLINKS / In Beweging)
- Marianne Hutten-van den Heuvel (PvdA / GROENLINKS / In Beweging)
- Mathijs Gelen (PvdA / GROENLINKS / In Beweging)
- Frank Stevens (PvdA / GROENLINKS / In Beweging)
- Remco Roelofs (Forum voor Democratie)
- Roy Stam (Forum voor Democratie)
- Erny Bergman (Forum voor Democratie)
- Bartjan Oplaat (BBB)
- Pim Bokdam (BBB)
- Tamara Koerselman-Slag (BBB)
- Edwin Scheperman (VVD)
- Merel Lugtmeier (VVD)
- Gerda Veltkamp (VVD)
- Hannie Rohaan-Vlijm (Gemeente Belangen)
- Mathijn Bomans (Gemeente Belangen)
- Coby Titshof-Leushuis (Gemeente Belangen)
- André de Visser (D66)
- Willem Marsman (D66)
Room for debate and transparent exchange of ideas
Mayor Nauta also spoke about the role of democracy and the council’s position within it, particularly in these turbulent times. Council members serve the public interest, as outlined in the Municipalities Act: “The council represents the entire population of the municipality.” This means choices must be made and explained. According to the mayor, this requires courage and a willingness to collaborate: the courage to weigh interests impartially, to stand by a decision, and to be honest about the consequences. It also requires cooperation to best serve the public interest. Mayor Ellen Nauta-van Moorsel: “The council chamber is a space for debate and transparent exchange of ideas. There may be friction, as opinions differ and ‘no’ is also an answer. (...) I hope we can do this with mutual respect.”
We extend our warmest congratulations to the newly installed council members and wish them every success!