The County Council’s chain of office has passed to Councillor Mark Cooper who has been elected as Hampshire County Council’s new Chairman.

Councillor Cooper who represents the Romsey Town electoral division on the County Council was elected to the position at the Annual Meeting of the Local Authority on Thursday 22 May 2025.

In his role as Chairman, Councillor Cooper is the civic head of the County. He will represent the County Council on any Royal visits and ceremonial occasions in Hampshire as well as carry out other civic activities and duties. The Chairman presides over County Council meetings and ensures they are conducted in line with Standing Orders.

Hampshire born and educated; Councillor Cooper was first elected to Hampshire County Council in 2005 to represent the Romsey Town division. During this time, he has served on the River Hamble Harbour Authority Management Committee and the Regulatory Committee. He was a member of Hampshire’s Fire and Rescue Authority between 2005 and 2017, and a Commissioner on Hampshire’s 2050 Commission of Inquiry – dedicated to help shape the long-term vision for the whole of Hampshire, enhance the future prosperity and quality of life of Hampshire’s residents, as well as protect the environment, and tackle climate change.

Councillor Pal Hayre, local Member for Fareham Crofton, was elected Vice Chairman.