VETERAN Lydney Councillor Alan Preest said it was an “absolute privilege, honour and pleasure” to serve as Chairman of Gloucestershire County Council as he was re-elected to the role last week.

Cllr Preest (Con, Lydney), who is also a Lydney Town and Forest of Dean District Councillor, received unanimous support from the council to retain the position he has held for the past year last Wednesday (May 18).

The Tory councillor described his re-election as “a tremendous honour” for Lydney.

He said: “In reality all members and officers have been supportive, special mention of the registration teams with whom I work closely at at the United Kingdom citizenship ceremonies and of course the democratic services team, and in particular Michelle Pidgeon – who has to help juggle what sometimes has been a very full diary, with all my various commitments.

“Also, I would like to thank my family and those outside of the council environment who continue to support – they know who they are.

“It’s been great, sometimes challenging, travelling around Gloucestershire on bus, train, Shank’s pony and the very occasional lift in the course meeting so many wonderful and interesting people.

“I thank members for their support, and I look forward to 2022/2023 being a progressive and positive year for Gloucestershire.”