AFTER a quarter of a century serving Monmouthshire’s people, the county council’s outgoing chairman said it had been an ‘honour’ as the authority welcomed his successor.

Brian Hood, who did not stand in the recent council elections, addressed councillors and guests at a full council meeting on Tuesday evening, and was spoken highly of by the leaders of the county’s political parties.

Monmouthshire council vice-chairwoman Cllr Maureen Powell will take over his role for 2012-13.

Mr Hood, who was awarded an MBEin 2011 for services to local government, started in Monmouth District Council in 1987 and was elected to Monmouthshire council in 1996.

“It has been quite an honour and quite wonderful as far as I am concerned,” he said of his political career representing Llanover ward.

Monmouthshire Conservative leader Cllr Peter Fox said Mr Hood was known for his commitment, punctuality and a passion for helping those less fortunate than himself, through his work with social services.

“He has been an outstanding ambassador,” he added.

Leader of the Plaid and Independents Monmouthshire group Cllr Simon Howarth said Mr Hood had tenacity in his role.

“You would battle against the Welsh government and the Westminster government if you think it is right for the people of Monmouthshire and Wales,”

he told him.

Cllr Powell was then nominated to become the new chairwoman.

The meeting heard how she has been involved in politics since 1992, and was elected to Grosmont Community Council in 1995 and then Castle ward, Abergavenny, in 2008.

Former Chepstow mayor Cllr David Dovey will become the council’s vice-chairman after he obtained one more vote than Caldicot councillor Jim Higginson.