Alan Preest re-elected as county council chairman

Conservative Alan Preest has been re-elected as chairman of Gloucestershire County Council.

The Lydney councillor said it was an “absolute privilege, honour and pleasure” to have been in the role over the last year.

He said it is a tremendous honour for the Forest of Dean town that he should be chairman again. His deputy for the year will be party colleague and Tetbury councillor Stephen Hirst who held the position of vice chairman last year.

Cllr Preest thanked his deputy for his support and all councillors for their help over the last 12 months.

“In reality all members and officers have been supportive, special mention of the registration teams with whom I work closely at at the United Kingdom citizenship ceremonies and of course the democratic services team, and in particular Michelle Pidgeon – who has to help juggle what sometimes has been a very full diary, with all my various commitments.

“Also, I would like to thank my family and those outside of the council environment who continue to support – they know who they are. It’s been great, sometimes challenging, travelling around Gloucestershire on bus, train, Shank’s pony and the very occasional lift in the course meeting so many wonderful and interesting people.

“I thank members for their support, and I look forward to 2022/2023 being a progressive and positive year for Gloucestershire.”

Cllr Preest received unanimous support from the council and was elected on May 18.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk