Councillor Mark Cooper

Born in Southampton with Hampshire ancestry traced back to the 17th Century; educated at St Mary's College and Taunton's School. Graduated University of Leeds 1970. Worked in Town Planning in New Zealand and the motor industry in Birmingham before becoming a teacher in Southampton 1973-2004 teaching mainly Geography and Economics at 'A' level.

Moved to Romsey 1976 and elected to Romsey Town Council and Test Valley Borough Council in 1986. Leader of TVBC 1995-1998. Has now served 32 years on each Council and has been Town Mayor of Romsey on three occasions. Served as Governor at the Mountbatten School (1985-1995), Romsey Community School (2008-2018) and Romsey Primary School. Chairman of Trustees Romsey Bandstand and Kents Almshouses.

First elected to Hampshire County Council 2005, serving on the Regulatory Committee (2005 to the present), Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority (2005-2017) and the Hamble River Harbour Authority (2005 to the present). Married to Sue Tippett, retired Romsey G.P. They have five sons.