A MALVERN councillor has become the new chairman of Worcestershire County Council.
Coun Ian Hopwood, county councillor for Langland, was elected at a meeting last Thursday (May 14) where former chair Pam Davey handed over the chain.
Speaking at the meeting, Coun Hopwood, who is a former chairman of Malvern Town Council, said: “Thank you council for electing me this morning.
“I feel it is a great honour to be the chairman of the county. I just want to be able to work and endeavour to make it a good year.”
His election comes after Coun Paul Tuthill, county councillor for Malvern Link, put Mr Hopwood forward for the role because of his background in the army and his involvement with Malvern Town Council.
“On the social side of being a chairman, he was a chairman of Malvern Town Council when I was chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, so we met frequently at events and there it was very clear to see the enthusiasm which he brought to that role,” Coun Tuthill said.
“There are the two facets of being chairman and I think they are two very good reasons for Ian to be chairman.
“However, there is also a third and perhaps equally important reason, which is that it has been many years since this council had a chairman from Malvern.”
Council leader Coun Adrian Hardman, who backed Coun Hopwood’s nomination, added: “He has experienced ten years with the British army and an extensive career in the city before moving out to take up residency in Worcestershire.
“He has experienced being a chairman at a more local level and I am not aware this council has ever had a chairman from Malvern, so on the point of view I support it.”
