Axminster councillor Ian Hall has been appointed chair of Devon County Council.

The Conservative, who represents Axminster at both district and county level, was elected to the role today. 

In his acceptance speech, he spoke about about his 31 years of service to the community had stemmed from a passion for sport and how it can help to change young lives. 

He said: "Dear fellow members, officers, and the fantastic residents of Devon who make this county so great, I am humbly and proudly accepting your nomination as chair of Devon County Council for the 2022/23 civic term.

"When I truly embraced the importance of putting back into my local community after reaping so much from it 31 years ago, I never thought it was the beginning of a journey that would lead this working-class (and once young!) lad to have the pleasure of serving the people of Devon.

"It all began with youth football. The power of helping change young lives and promoting education through sport was the absolute catalyst for who I am today. I still hold it close to my heart now, involved in local sports charities in my wonderful hometown of Axminster. 

"This led me to take a chance at something I never thought I would do; to run for election, first at town council, then at district, and finally at county.

"Along this journey, I have done nothing on my own. I have had the pleasure of working with some incredibly inspiring people. I have to mention just a few: Andrew Moulding, Cindy Furse, Kay d'Albertson, John Cloke, Victoria Robinson, John Jefferies BEM, PCSO Hayley Widger, Karen Taylor, and Phil Twiss are amongst the many.

"These outstanding community figures have given so much more than my 31 years' service. However, I think we would all agree that when we look around sometimes and wonder – how did we get so deep, and are we giving our families enough time?

"Of course, underpinning all of my efforts has always been the 'wind beneath my wings' (I did steal that from our wedding song), my friend, my Maria and of course, Jennifer, Charles and the now very large Hall and Harvey clans and close friends.

"Councillors, I am sure all of you here today, can relate to this circumstance in some way.

"But this spirit of support transcends family and friends. It is an inherent characteristic of Devon and its communities. We are only as strong as each other; we all take knocks and pick each other back up and that is the absolute backbone of this county.

"This bond has been essential through the last two years as we faced the invisible enemy of Covid and now the shameful invasion of Ukraine. Our communities have fought back against every challenge, dropping off shopping for their vulnerable neighbours, volunteering at vaccine centres, and now opening their homes to our new Ukrainian neighbours.

"Collective and individual strength has continually shone through and across our fine county. Thank you all to all teachers, health professionals, emergency services, armed forces, volunteers, local authorities, and officers who have done the people of Devon proud.

"Most of all, a huge thank you to all the residents of Devon for digging so deep for so long. We are fuelled by your optimism for the future.

"Reflecting on this, my ambitions for this civic term will be underpinned with the theme of mental health. After going through so much and persevering so well, we must now take stock and ensure our most powerful muscle has some necessary care.

"Over the last decade, I have been overjoyed that the conversation around mental health continues to expand. But we still have an incredible amount to do within our communities as they heal. 

"Never has there been a time when this issue has been so important. We need to continue to shine a light on it to ensure that we can support one another and those we serve.

"Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical ones have healed. But, we can survive them, they can transform us. They give us the opportunity to grow.

"Inclusivity, diversity and equality will also be at the forefront of my mind as chair. It is evident that we all still have much to learn, and it is vital we take that journey away from ignorance. 

"We must lead from the front, ask difficult questions of ourselves, and ensure we represent all in our communities.

"Colleagues, thank you for your time. I am truly humbled to hold the position of chair for this civic term and to be part of the momentous Platinum Jubilee. I will represent every wonderful hamlet, parish, town and city to the best of my ability, from Barnstaple to Branscombe, from Bigbury to Bridgerule and everywhere in between, and continue supporting those that make Devon so great.

"I wish you all well, and I intend to smile more than frown!

"Finally, many thanks to you Cllrs Chubb and Hartnell for your nomination and kind words."