Councillor John Mathews

As Chair of the Council

The Chair of Devon County Council is elected annually, at the Council’s Annual Meeting. The responsibilities of the Chair include:

Ø  Upholding and promoting the purposes of the Council’s Constitution and presiding over meetings of the Council so that its business can be carried out efficiently, with regard to the rights of councils, and the interests of the community.

Ø  The Chair can also call extraordinary meetings of the Council and ensures that the Council meeting is a forum for debate of matters of concern to the local community, making sure that Councillors who are not on the Council’s Cabinet are able to hold the Cabinet to account.

Ø  The Chair promotes public involvement in the Council’s activities and represents the Council at civic and ceremonial functions.

To contact the Chair for an event or for advice on protocol please email the Chair’s Office at chairofdevoncountycouncil@devon.gov.uk  or, alternatively, telephone the office on 01271 388480 or write to the Chair c/o Chair’s Office, Devon County Council, First Floor, Taw View, Barnstaple, EX31 1EE.

As a Councillor

I have been elected as a County Councillor for the electoral division of Barnstaple South. I intend to serve the interests of all residents, regardless of political persuasion.

I am, however, a member of the Conservative Party and take an active interest in a number of national and local campaigns. It would not be appropriate for me to use this website to promote these campaigns though you can visit related external websites by selecting some of the links to be found on these pages.

I like to help people with problems and to try and make a difference to the community.

My priorities are that as a former Police Officer, I want the public to live in a safe environment and for the Police to take a robust action to make this happen.