A NORTH Hampshire councillor has been named as this year’s chairman of Hampshire County Council.

Councillors from Hampshire County Council elected Councillor Jonathan Glen as chairman of the local authority, at its annual meeting of the county council last Friday.

The county councillor for Odiham will now preside over county council meetings to ensure they are conducted in line with procedure and he will represent the county council on royal visits and ceremonial occasions in Hampshire, as well as other civic activities and duties.

Cllr Glen said: “I’d like to thank all the councillors for their support and faith in me, which is not taken for granted. It is a great honour and I will carry out this duty in a manner that is fair to all.”

His theme for the year will be freedom and democracy.

Born in Scotland, Cllr Glen studied modern languages at the University of St Andrews before beginning a career with the Ministry of Defence.

He worked at De La Rue, in Basingstoke, and joined the financial sector, setting up his own company in 1999.

The father-of-three, from Rotherwick, has lived in Hampshire for 33 years. He has also served the Odiham division at Hampshire County Council since 1997.

During his time at the county council, he has held Cabinet positions as the executive members for environment, human resources and economic development.

Taking up his chain of office at the meeting, Cllr Glen paid tribute to the outgoing chairman, Cllr Colin Davidovitz, and thanked him for his support. and guidance during his role as vice chairman.

Cllr Davidovitz’s highlights during the year included a number of events to commemorate key dates in the nation’s history including the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, events marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and the 70th anniversary of D-Day and VE Day.

Cllr Keith Chapman, who represents the Calleva and Kingsclere division, has been appointed vice-chairman.