New Chair of Lancashire County Council

16 May 2014

The new Chair of Lancashire County Council has taken up his year-in-office.

County Councillor Kevin Ellard, who represents the Preston East division, was appointed at today's annual meeting of Full Council (15 May).

Kevin Ellard lives in Preston and has represented the electoral division of Preston East since 2001.

The former university librarian has just served as vice chair to Councillor Devaney during his year in office.

Born in Ireland, Kevin was brought up in east London and Essex. He has been married to Gill for 32 years and they have a daughter and two sons.

While studying in Manchester, Kevin got his first taste of the north of England. He had a professional career in libraries, information and publishing – mostly at polytechnics and universities.

Work took Kevin to London, Sheffield, Leicester, Staffordshire and Lancashire – lastly as university librarian at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). He retired four years ago.

Kevin has a lifelong interest in buildings and architecture, and even designed many library buildings during his professional career. This included libraries in Penrith, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Lichfield.

In his spare time, Kevin is a keen supporter of various sports, culture and the arts. He's an avid Preston North End fan (as well as his boyhood heroes, West Ham) and follows the England cricket team on their travels whenever he can.

During his year as chair, Kevin is particularly keen to highlight the diversity and variation within the red rose county. He said: "Lancashire is very diverse. I'm keen to meet a wide variety of Lancashire people, of all ages and backgrounds.

"There are a lot of many good things happening around the county, by many different people and groups. I'm particularly determined as Chairman to recognise and celebrate this good work.

"I'm also looking forward to welcoming official visitors to County Hall in Preston. It’s a magnificent building and has great people working there for the benefit of people in Lancashire."

The council's new Vice Chair will be Margaret Brindle, who represents the Burnley Rural division. She's been a member of the county council since 2009.

He said: "I would like to welcome Margaret as my vice-chair for the next year. I'm looking forward to working with her. I've spent the past twelve months working alongside Michael Devaney, who was an excellent and dedicated chairman to this great county."

For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194
[email protected]

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