The Chairman of Hampshire County Council
Every year during at its Annual General Meeting, the full County Council elects a new Chairman and Vice Chairman
The Chairman must be a county councillor, but not a member of the Cabinet. The position of Chairman is held for a period of one year only.
The current Chairman of Hampshire County Council is Cllr Pal Hayre
The current Vice Chairman is Cllr Louise Parker-Jones
Past Chairmen of Hampshire County Council
- The Role of the Chairman
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The Chairman of Hampshire County Council is the civic and ceremonial head of the Authority and represents the County Council at a variety of events and functions in Hampshire organised by businesses, churches, local district and borough councils and many other organisations throughout the County.
The Chairman also attends events which are organised by County Council departments, such as opening of community homes, schools, youth clubs and museum exhibitions. The Chairman is ambassadorial, 'flying the flag' for Hampshire both within the County and, at times, in neighbouring authorities. The Chairman is the 'first citizen' of the County of Hampshire.
Ceremonial duties include:
- being the politically impartial, neutral and non-executive civic and ceremonial head of the County Council
- promoting the interests and the reputation of the County Council and Hampshire and acting as an ambassador for both
- carrying out civic, community and ceremonial activities and fostering community identity and pride
Additional responsibilities include:
- presiding over meetings of the full Council to ensure that its business is carried out fairly and efficiently and to ensure that the meeting is conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Council as set out in the Rules of Procedure in Part 3 of the Constitution
- ensuring that the Full Council meeting debates matters that concern the local community
- to uphold the Constitution
- to promote public involvement in the Council's activities
- to promote the Council's corporate strategy
- Protocol and etiquette when the Chairman attends an event
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Specifically, the Chairman will take precedence (a) during royal visits to the County, (b) at events organised by Hampshire County Council or (c) when on Hampshire County Council owned property. However, at events organised within one of the Hampshire districts or boroughs, and the event does not conform with (a), (b) or (c), the Mayor or Chairman of that district or borough will take precedence.
It would be appreciated if the Chairman is met on arrival and escorted throughout the function.
The Chairman should be seated on the immediate right of the person presiding.
In conversation, the Chairman should be addressed as "Chairman".
The preamble for speeches (unless a member of the Royal Family or the Lord-Lieutenant or local Hampshire District/Borough Mayor/Chairman is present) is, "Chairman, Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen".
- Biography of the current Chairman of the Council
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Councillor Pal Hayre
Pal Hayre has been a resident of Stubbington for 30 years and is a dedicated public servant and active community member. She was first elected as Hampshire County Councillor for the Crofton Division in 2017 and as Borough Councillor for Stubbington in 2021 and continues to serve her community with commitment and dedication. Pal also serves as a Governor at Baycroft School in Stubbington supporting education and young people.
Born into a Sikh family that settled in Britain in the early 1960s, Pal was raised and educated in Southampton. After completing her A-levels at Hill College, she joined the family business, helping to grow it into a successful chain of fashion shops.
In 1990, Pal married Narinder and later moved to Stubbington in 1996, where they raised their three sons and established their own business. Through hard work and determination, Pal successfully balanced running the business with family life while building strong ties within the local community.
After eighteen years of running the business, Pal brought her extensive experience in business and retail to a ten-year career with Sainsbury’s, while continuing her commitment to community service and charitable causes.
In her role as a councillor, Pal has served on many committees at Hampshire County Council and Fareham Borough Council and is a strong supporter of local charities and community organisations.
Pal served as Mayor of Fareham for the 2024/2025 term, bringing enthusiasm, integrity, and inclusivity to the role. Councillor Pal Hayre was elected Chairman of Hampshire County Council on 21 May 2026.
- Honorary Aldermen
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The title of Honorary Alderman is a formal title which can be conferred by the County Council to former Members of the Council to recognise what is considered to be outstanding service during their time as an elected Member of the County Council.
- How to invite the Chairman of the County Council to an event or function
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If you wish to invite the Chairman to attend an event, in the first instance, please send an invitation to
The Chairman's Office
The Castle
Winchester
Hampshire SO23 8UJPlease don’t contact the Chairman direct or send correspondence to his/her home address. All communication should come through the Chairman's Personal Assistant at The Castle.
Please provide some background information about your organisation. This is especially important if you wish the Chairman to make a speech. Please tell us:
- when your organisation started
- your organisation's aims and activities
- your organisation’s membership
- your organisation’s achievements
what you consider to be special about your organisation
- Contact details
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If you have any further queries, please contact the Chairman's Personal Assistant, Natalie Jones.
Phone 01962 846441
Email [email protected]
Or please write to the address above.