HAMPSHIRE County Council have announced their new chairman with Cllr Colin Davidovitz taking over the chain of office from Cllr Ken Thornber.

Cllr Davidovitz was elected as chairman by fellow councillors at the annual meeting of the county council on Friday, 30 May.

A county councillor for Chandler’s Ford for 13 years, Cllr Davidovitz is former executive member for communications and efficiency.

His chosen theme for this year is Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s families as he supports the SSAFA National Armed Forces Charity, which helps members of the armed forces and their families.

He said: “I feel humbled but very proud to have been considered and elected for this great task. Hampshire is a fine county.

“It hosts many of the UK’s most important manufacturers and businesses as well as bases for all our excellent armed forces.

“In the year ahead we will be commemorating the anniversaries of their historic and heroic actions.”

Cllr Davidovitz paid tribute to outgoing chairman, Cllr Ken Thornber, thanking him for his generous support and guidance in his role as vice chairman.

Former executive member for Economic Development Cllr Jonathan Glen has been appointed vice chairman of Hampshire County Council.