Green Party's Jacqi Hodgson is elected chair of SHDC

South Hams District Council has been celebrating its work with local communities at its Annual Council meeting, and electing Jacqi Hodgson as its new chair.

As well as appointing its new chair, the 2025-26 Annual Report, ‘Working for Our Communities’ was endorsed. This highlights some of the work that has been done with local communities across the district over the past 12 months.

The publication, which can be found here, includes examples of how the council has been achieving its ambitions such as delivering healthy, warm and affordable homes across the district. It also highlights how the Council has supported communities to do more for the environment through re-wilding projects and the ongoing mission to plant a tree for every resident.

During the Leader’s annual statement, Cllr Dan Thomas introduced the report, which also outlines initiatives to increase footfall in local towns, invest in community facilities, and continue delivering good quality services.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson was elected as the new Chair of South Hams District Council for the coming year at the meeting.

A district council chair is an elected, ceremonial head of the local authority. They act as the impartial "speaker" of the council and perform civic duties, which means they do not hold executive powers or make political decisions like the council leader. 

Once elected as chair, the councillor generally steps away from active political debate and party affiliations to act as an impartial referee for all members.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson accepts the role of chair of SHDC from Cllr Bernard Taylor 

The Ward Member for Dartington and Staverton accepted the chain of office from outgoing chairman, Cllr Bernard Taylor. Cllr Guy Pannell was re-appointed as the council’s vice-chair.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson said: “I would like to thank all our members for electing me to the role of chair for the year ahead. I look forward to working with fellow members to make a positive impact on our community. I would also like to congratulate Cllr Bernard Taylor for the role he has played over the past two years as I aim to build on that progress.”

Outgoing Chairman Cllr Bernard Taylor also presented £1,446 to the Chestnut Appeal – which was the designated Chairman’s Charity for the past year – to support the work it does for men’s health.

Outgoing chair Cllr Bernard Taylor presented a cheque to David Squires, event manager for the Chestnut Appeal for Men's Health

Cllr Bernard Taylor said: “As I depart my role as chair, I’m proud to present the Chestnut Appeal with these funds. I chose this charity because several people in my ward have suffered with prostate cancer, some of which have sadly passed away. I hope the donation will help support the important work the charity does.”

The following committee positions were also confirmed during the council meeting:

Executive

Cllr Dan Thomas – Leader
Cllr Simon Rake – Deputy Leader
Cllr Victor Abbott
Cllr John Birch
Cllr Julian Brazil
Cllr Nadine Dommett
Cllr David Hancock
Cllr Nicky Hopwood
Cllr John McKay
Cllr Denise O’Callaghan

Audit and Governance Committee

Cllr Lee Bonham – Chairman
Cllr Matt Steele – Vice Chair

Development Management Committee

Cllr Mark Long – Chairman
Cllr Bernard Taylor – Vice Chair

Licensing Committee

Cllr Sam Penfold – Chairman
Cllr Anna Presswell – Vice Chair

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Cllr Alison Nix – Chairman
Cllr Ben Cooper – Vice Chair

Council Tax Setting Committee

Cllr Dan Thomas - Chairman

For more information about South Hams District Council, please visit the council's website here.

The Annual Report can also be found here.