The new Chairman of MCC was elected last week, with Councillor John Prosser, the former vice chairman taking over the role from Councillor David Dovey. In Monmouthshire County Council's AGM, in front of various dignitaries including the new mayors from across the county, Councillor John Prosser was voted in to take over the role of chairman for the year 2014/15. The event was opened with Councillor Dovey expressing his thanks to all the support he has received over the last year, and telling stories of his experience in the role. Councillor Dovey said, "Where has the last year gone? I was to express my thanks to all who nominated and voted for me as chairman, and it has been a privilege to represent Monmouthshire County Council, particularly as this has been the first year in our new County Hall." He spoke of his appreciation for the support of his charities including Greater Gwent Music, his enjoyment of improving relationships with neighbours by working hard for Monmouthshire to be better known and appreciated, and delighted the audience with amusing tales of his time at the Abergavenny Steam Fair, and many other social events. But most of all he expressed his thanks to his consort and wife Stephanie, who managed to support Councillor Dovey through his time as chairman, while maintaining her role as mayor of Chepstow. He was also given kind words from leader and members of all of the political parties, including He was also given kind words by the leaders of the various parties, Councillor Peter Fox from the Conservatives, Councillor Dimitri Batrouni from the Labour Group, Councillor Graham Down on behalf of the Independents, and Councillor Phil Hobson from the Lib Dem Group. Following this, Councillor John Prosser was nominated for the role of Chairman by Councillor Fox and Councillor Phil Murphy, who spoke of Councillor Prosser's extensive career background in the food science industry, his time working with weapons and petrochemicals, his life in mechanical engineering, as well as his clear support for the military. All agreed that these skills would be valued in his role of chairman, and he following the vote he was elected to the role. Councillor Prosser spoke of his gratitude for his nomination into the role, and vowed to take on the role with integrity, honesty, compassion and diligence. He announced his consort as Heather Dash, his chaplain as Reverend Mark Soady, and revealed his charities for this year as Welsh Warrior Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support. Next followed the nominations for vice chairman for the upcoming year - Councillor Brian Strong, who was nominated by Councillor Bob Greenland and Councillor Murphy and Councillor Jim Higginson, put forward by Councillor Batrouni and Councillor Roger Harris. While both were deemed strong candidates with an extremely high level of time and experience in local government, the vote was made in favour of Councillor Strong, who graciously took the role, and offered his condolences to Councillor Higginson. Following the exchange of the chains, and the presentation of flowers to consorts, the event was closed, and followed by a reception in county hall.