THE chain of office at Hampshire County Council has passed to Elaine Still, who was elected chairman during the annual meeting last Friday.

In her role as chairman, Mrs Still is the civic head of the county. She will represent the county council on royal visits and ceremonial occasions in Hampshire, as well as carry out other civic activities and duties.

The chairman presides over Hampshire County Council meetings and ensures they are conducted in line with standing orders and that they are a forum for debating issues.

Mrs Still was first elected to Hampshire County Council in 2005 to represent the Loddon division in Basingstoke. During that time, she has chaired the culture and communities select committee and the policy and resources select committee.

She has also served on the environment select committee and the health and overview scrutiny committee.

Mrs Still was elected vice-chairman of the county council in May 2017 and is currently a borough councillor for Chineham ward in Basingstoke and Deane, first elected in 2002 where she served in the cabinet, and held the environment portfolio for several years.

Mrs Still’s interests are spending time with her family and friends and walking with her two chihuahua dogs through the countryside and parks in Hampshire.

Her love of the countryside is reflected in her theme as chairman - all things healthy and green; all creatures great and small’.

She explained: “My aim for the year is to look after nature so nature can look after us. Access to green space, rural and coastal environments has close links to physical health and mental well-being, and Hampshire enjoys some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the country.”

Charles Choudhary, county councillor for Aldershot North, was elected vice-chairman.

Outgoing chairman Graham Burgess was thanked at the meeting for his past year’s tenure. On stepping down from his role as chairman, Mr Burgess said: “Thank you for your support, not just today but throughout the year. This past year has been extraordinary. It has been an enormous privilege for me to represent you and it has been an honour to broadcast the Hampshire message.

“A highlight for me was being able to watch the magnificent performance of 1,700 exceptionally talented Hampshire musicians and dancers from the royal box. Being able to go on stage to thank everyone for all their efforts is a memory I will always treasure.”

Hampshire County Council leader Roy Perry confirmed Cabinet roles after Peter Edgar and Andrew Gibson had to stand down for health reasons.

Mr Perry said: “Peter hopes to be back in the county council in the autumn but I do want to place on record the great work he did with and for Hampshire schools and children.”

He also thanked Mr Gibson for his work while executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, saying: “Andrew has done a great job – libraries have been well supported, and the country parks like Lepe and Queen Victoria being totally revamped so they become cost neutral.”

The full Cabinet is:

* Roy Perry: Leader and executive member for policy and resources.

* Keith Mans: Deputy leader and executive lead member for children’s services.

* Mel Kendal: Executive member for economic development.

* Liz Fairhurst: Executive member for adult social care and health.

* Patricia Stallard: Executive member for public health.

* Rob Humby: Executive member for environment and transport.

* Andrew Joy (Alton): Executive member for communities, partnerships and external affairs, including Brexit.

* Stephen Reid: Executive member for education and skills, human resources and performance.

* Edward Heron: Executive member for countryside and rural affairs.

* Seán Woodward: Executive member for culture and recreation.