Issue - meetings

a)    Election of Leader

To elect a Leader of the County Council pursuant to Part 1, Chapter 11 of the Constitution. The Chairman will call for nominations, which are to be seconded with all propositions being put to the vote.

b)    Leader’s Report

To receive a Report of the Leader, including confirmation of the Members of Cabinet.  Cabinet  Members to take their seats in the Chamber.

In accordance with Part 1 Chapter 11 of the County Council’s Constitution, Councillor Roy Perry proposed Councillor Keith Mans as Leader of the Council.  Councillor Rob Humby seconded the proposal.  There were no other nominations.  The proposal was put to the vote and carried.

Councillor Keith Mans was duly elected as Leader of Hampshire County Council until the Annual General Meeting of the County Council following the Elections in 2021.

The Leader congratulated Councillor Choudhary on his election as Chairman of the Council and thanked Members for electing him to the position of Leader of the Council. 

The Leader announced his Cabinet as follows:

Councillor Rob Humby – Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport

Councillor Roz Chadd – Executive Member for Education and Skills

Councillor Liz Fairhurst – Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health

Councillor Judith Grajewski – Executive Member for Public Health (to include Supporting Families)

Councillor Edward Heron – Executive Member for Countryside and Rural Affairs

Councillor Andrew Joy – Executive Member for Communities, Partnerships and External Affairs including Brexit (will also include Emergency Planning and Resilience)

Councillor Stephen Reid – Executive Member for Economic Development, Human Resources and Performance

Councillor Patricia Stallard – Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services

Councillor Seán Woodward – Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage

The Leader paid tribute to Councillor Roy Perry for his leadership and achievements during his time as Leader of the Council during what had been very challenging times.

In terms of his vision for the future, the Leader confirmed that he wants to see Hampshire remain as one County Council.  He highlighted the importance of getting a fair funding settlement from central government.  In this regard, the Leader would be meeting with Ministers at a forthcoming County Network event to put forward the County Council’s position; to highlight the pressures it faces in meeting its responsibility to provide statutory services against the backdrop of reducing Revenue Support Grant.  Being able to evidence robust financial control and continuing to work closely with district and borough partners to deliver services would be important, as was working closely with the County Council’s unitary partners and the two Hampshire Local Enterprise Partnerships.  The Leader supported the continuance of the County Council’s sound financial policies and sensible use of reserves to invest in innovative projects for the benefit of communities in Hampshire.

The Leader referred to the Extraordinary Council Meeting on 23 September at which the findings of the Hampshire Commission 2050 would be discussed.  A very important area of would be the environment and climate change which would be challenging but also provides an opportunity for the County Council to lead the way in clean technology.  Finding a way to balance between economic development and prosperity and protecting the countryside would be key.

In conclusion Councillor Mans thanked Members for electing him to take on the role of Leader of Hampshire County Council.