USK councillor Brian Strong will serve as chairman of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) for the term 2015/16. His appointment was agreed at the council's annual meeting on last Tuesday (12th May). He replaces Abergavenny councillor John Prosser.

Brian was selected as the Conservative candidate at the 2008 county council elections and won the Usk ward with a large majority. He returned unopposed in 2012. Councillor Strong has served as a town councillor since 1997 and was mayor of Usk in 2002.

Brian has served on the council's planning, licensing, and audit committees for six years as well as the Economy and Development and Adult Select Committees. He also chaired the Central Monmouthshire Area Committee for two years.

Brian was born in Caerleon, educated at Monmouth School and worked in engineering until his retirement in 1999. Brian is a keen sportsman and played cricket for Newport Athletic Club before joining Usk Cricket Club in the early 1960s. It was through cricket that he met Mary who he married in 1968. They have two children, Tim and Sally, who live in Usk with their families.

Brian's candidature was proposed by council leader Peter Fox and seconded by Councillor Phil Murphy.  Councillor Murphy said: "Brian Strong brings a quiet confidence to the council. I have no hesitation in recommending him."

Brian's chosen charities during his term of office are the Air Ambulance and Noah's Ark children's charity.

Long standing councillor and former leader of the Labour group, Jim Higginson, was elected as vice chairman of the council.