The new Chairman, Councillor Paul Harries, is pictured (front, centre) flanked by his wife, Rose, and Chief Executive Ian Westley. Standing (left to right) is past Chairman, Mr Tony Brinsden, Mrs Brinsden, Mrs Christina Simpson and the new Council Leader, Councillor David Simpson.

THE NEW Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council is Councillor Paul Harries of Newport.

A retired petroleum inspector, Councillor Harries was installed as the Chairman at the Annual Meeting.

He succeeds Mr Tony Brinsden, formerly the Elected Member for Amroth, who did not seek re-election in the recent local government elections.

Born and bred in Pembrokeshire, Councillor Harries’ formative years were spent in Middle Mill, Milford Haven and Crymych before he moved to Newport aged ten. He has lived there ever since.

Despite spending all of his home life in Pembrokeshire, his 27-year career as a petroleum inspector took him to ports throughout the UK.

He retired in 2007.

Councillor Harries spent the past 12 months as Vice Chairman of the Authority having first been elected as Councillor for Newport in 2012.

His consort during his tenure will be his wife of 30 years, Rose.

The couple have two sons. Peter, the eldest is a computer games designer in Nottingham and John is currently travelling in New Zealand.

The new Chairman’s nomination was proposed by Councillor Pat Davies and seconded by Councillor Mike James.

As well as a new Chairman, the Council also has a new Leader, retired businessman Councillor David Simpson who represents Lampeter Velfrey on the Authority.

He was elected to the Council in 2004 and is a former Cabinet Member.