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The County Council's chain of office has passed to Councillor Michael Woodhall who has been elected Hampshire's new Chairman.
Councillor Michael Woodhall Building on his success as Deputy Leader of the County Council and Executive Member for Economic Development, Cllr Woodhall, has chosen the themes of business in the community and countryside, and the voluntary sector for his work as Chairman this year. Following his election at the Annual Meeting of the County Council, Cllr Woodhall said: "It is a great honour to be elected and serve as Chairman of the County Council and I am looking forward to taking up my new duties. "In my year of office I will be focussing on involving and supporting the commercial, voluntary and rural sectors. It is important that the contribution Hampshire's employers make to our communities is recognised. They help to keep our towns, cities and rural areas sustainable and vibrant. Many also contribute to local initiatives either through sponsorship or supporting staff who wish to play a greater part in their community by being a school governor, foster carer, part-time firefighter or even a councillor. "The volunteers in the county are often the unsung heroes who ask for no reward for what they do to help others but who deserve to be rewarded. I want to build on the recognition and appreciation that the County Council has for the work that they do in maximising the wellbeing of Hampshire's residents." In nominating Cllr Woodhall for Chairman, the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said "I am pleased to nominate Cllr Michael Woodhall for Chairman of the County Council. He has served as Deputy Leader for nine years and I have enjoyed our working relationship. He is well liked and has served this council with distinction and I believe he will be a great ambassador for the county." Cllr Woodhall was first elected as a member of Hampshire County Council in 1993, representing the Test Valley Central Division. Since 1999 he has been the Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and the Executive Member for Economic Development. He has served on a number of committees such as the Arts Council South East and Veolia Environmental Trust as well as a number of other conservation orientated trusts. He was one of the founder members of Hampshire Farmers' Markets and has also represented the County Council on the Assembly of European Regions (AER) and the Local Government Association (LGA). Cllr Woodhall has had a lifelong interest in politics, although he is the first member of his family not to go into the Church for over 100 years - his father, a former vicar of Basingstoke and grandfather were both clergymen. Cllr Woodhall who has two children, has lived in Houghton, near Stockbridge for over 30 years. He very much enjoys village life and stays in close touch with the farming community. He has a passionate interest in the preservation of historic buildings, countryside and heritage and is a keen skier, gardener and patron of the arts. As the civic head of the county, the Chairman presides over County Council meetings and ensures they are conducted in line with Standing Orders and that they are a forum for debating issues. He also represents the County Council on Royal Visits and Ceremonials in Hampshire and other Civic activities. Councillor Woodhall paid tribute to the retiring Chairman, Councillor Patricia Devereux for all her hard work over the past year and passed on his congratulations to Councillor Tim Knight, who was elected Vice Chairman for a second term. Reflecting on her year as Chairman, Councillor Devereux thanked all the members for their unfailing support, courtesy and good humour during her year in office. She said: "It has been a privilege and honour to be have been able to serve the County in this way." |
