Change of the guard at Hampshire County Council as former leader Rob Humby bids a fond farewell

Hampshire County Council held its annual general meeting today, officially inaugurating Cllr Keith Mans as chairman and Cllr Nick Adams-King as the new leader of the council, with Cllr Jan Warwick as deputy leader.

Nick has been councillor for Romsey Rural since 2021, and a member of the county council’s cabinet since 2022.

During that time, he’s been responsible for Hampshire’s universal services – including the county’s network of highways, which spans over 5,000 miles.

A chartered surveyor by profession, Nick’s career has also spanned the property and hospitality sectors.

He was first elected as a Bournemouth Borough councillor in 2005, a Test Valley Borough councillor in 2015, and then the borough council’s deputy leader from 2017 until earlier this year.

Nick said: “I’d like to pay tribute to former leader Cllr Rob Humby and deputy leader Cllr Roz Chadd for steering the county council through two intensely difficult years.

“Rob stands down knowing he’s changed Hampshire County Council for the better.

“We owe him a huge vote of thanks – not just for his sacrifice and hard work of the last two years, but for his many years of service to the people of Hampshire.

“Under my leadership, Hampshire County Council will continue to strive to be an efficient, caring, innovative, business friendly council.

“One that cares for our environment, tackles the challenge of climate change, and actively promotes the positive and necessary work we do to protect our most vulnerable Hampshire residents.

“I’m blessed with an amazing team of colleagues who have a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm and it is an incredible honour to be chosen by them as their leader.

“Among these individuals there is no one more talented than Cllr Jan Warwick, whom I’m delighted will be deputy leader of the council.”

See yesterday’s story on Hampshire Biz News for Cllr Adams-King’s plans as leader of the council.

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Outgoing leader Cllr Rob Humby has also written to councillors following his announcement – below.

“As I step down as Leader of Hampshire County Council, I would like to say a wholehearted thank you for the support you have given me in recent years as a Cabinet Member and then as Leader.

“I am genuinely moved by the kind wishes that have been sent to me since I made my announcement last week.

“I regret that I won’t be able to respond to every message individually, but please know that I treasure them all and am deeply grateful to everyone for your generous words.

“It has been the honour of my life to have served as Leader of Hampshire County Council. I am Hampshire through and through – my family has lived in the county for 462 years and won’t be leaving any time soon!

“I am proud beyond words to have had the opportunity to represent Hampshire on the local, regional and national stages, and to have worked with you to enhance Hampshire’s status as a great place to live, learn, work, play and visit.

“In my time as Leader and previously as Cabinet Member for Economy, Environment and Transport, I have had the great privilege of meeting and working alongside so many bright, talented and passionate individuals working within our valued partner organisations and across Hampshire’s outstanding business and skills communities – not least yourselves!

“The County Council now has a fantastic opportunity to use our new functions transferred from the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to play an enhanced role in promoting positive economic development, skills and business support outcomes and joining the dots between all partners across Hampshire.

“I wish my successor as Leader well and know that you will offer them your full support to develop and drive forward this important work.

“Thank you for everything you do for communities in Hampshire and to put our great county on the map. I wish you all the very best for the future.

“With fond regards,

Councillor Rob Humby.”

• hants.gov.uk

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