New Chairman pledges to commemorate County Council’s achievements in historic final year

Brian Roberts has taken the helm as the new Chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council in what will be the council’s final year of existence.

With the county and four district councils set to be dissolved in April 2020 to make way for the new unitary authority, Buckinghamshire Council, Brian will have the privilege of being the last official Buckinghamshire County Council Chairman.

Taking over at the Annual Meeting on Thursday (23 May) from Netta Glover, Brian, who has spent the past year supporting Netta as Vice Chairman, is looking forward to his new role. He said: “Becoming Chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council is a huge honour and a privilege, especially as my Chairmanship coincides with the final months of existence the County Council after 131 years.”

In addition to looking forward to the start of the new authority, during his time in office Brian plans to ensure the County Council’s many achievements are celebrated and remembered. He said: “During my chairmanship I plan to ensure it is a time of celebration to mark 131 years of consistent first class service to residents. I have a few ideas which I hope, by the final curtain in March 2020, will be remembered as a great way to bring an historic end to Buckinghamshire County Council.”

Brian, whose working life has seen him vary careers from a vehicle mechanic to a marketing services manager to managing an employment agency specialising in the transport industry, became a County Councillor in 2009. Brian’s journey into local government started two years earlier as he served as both a District and Town Councillor from 2007. As a ‘triple hatter’ Brian says he gained great satisfaction from getting involved in his local community and helping to improve the local environment. In 2015 Brian gave up his District and Town seats to concentrate on his role as a County Councillor.

As ward member for Aylesbury South East, Brian has also held many senior positions within the County Council. His most recent appointment has been as Chairman of the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee, an area that he describes as hugely complex but also extremely interesting and challenging.

Every year the Chairman chooses a charity or charities to support and raise money for, Brian has chosen Parkinson’s UK and Child Bereavement UK. Explaining his reasons for choosing the two charities Brian said: “Amazing inroads have been made into bringing relief to sufferers of Parkinson’s Disease. Having seen the impact of this disease close up because of family and friends’ experiences, I feel if we have an opportunity to further the research then it would be very worthwhile.”

“Child Bereavement UK is also a wonderful charity that does a terrific job supporting families and children through some very difficult times. I would love to be able to help by raising funds so they can continue to help those who need it.”

Dev Dhillon, ward member for Cliveden, will take on the role of Vice-Chairman.