It was the annual changing of the guard at Full Council today (Thursday May 25) as outgoing Chair of Devon County Council (DCC), Ian Hall, handed the reins to Percy Prowse, the local member for Duryard & Pennsylvania in Exeter.
At the meeting Councillor Colin Slade, the local member for Tiverton East and former town mayor, replaced Councillor Prowse as Vice-Chair.
Cllr Prowse is a retired police officer who served for 32 years, spent mostly in the city covering the St James and St David’s wards.
He has represented Duryard and Pennsylvania on DCC since 2009 and was also formerly a city councillor for the Duryard Ward.
Percy, a member of the Exeter Highways and Traffic Orders Committee, was the ‘infamous’ cape-wearing ‘Bobby on a Bike’ and was a recognisable presence in the community.
He is married with three children and four grandchildren, loves to travel and read books on military history.
This year, as Chair, Percy’s focus will be young people, youth development, and children in care and education.
Chair of Devon County Council, Percy Prowse, said:
“I feel strongly about anything which supports and celebrates the achievements of our young people.
“As former police officer I am keen to shine a light on those services, which help young people to stay ‘on track’.
“I feel it’s vital that all children have an equal opportunity to reach their potential no matter their background, and if they take a wrong turn that there is support so that they have the opportunity to be the best that they can be.”
The new Vice-Chair of the Council is Councillor Colin Slade, who has also served on Tiverton Town Council and Mid Devon District Council.
A former professional broadcaster for more than 40 years, he still presents a weekly show on Radio Exe.
Along with his wife Elizabeth, he is keen supporter of animal charities and has always had rescue dogs.
Along with Cllr Prowse, he has an interest in military history as well as music and he and collects campaign medals and guitars.
He is a trustee of three local charities, and currently chair of the Grand Western canal joint advisory committee.
The full list of committee memberships and appointments can be found on this document hosted on Devon County Council’s Democracy page.