Former leader of Hampshire County Council announces retirement from politics

The Tory Councillor, who has been involved in local government politics for over 40 years, will not restand as councillor for Brockenhurst in next year’s county council election.

Cllr Thornber was leader of Hampshire County Council for 14 years between 1999 and 2013, although he remained close to frontline politics afterwards. He was succeeded by Cllr Roy Perry.

Cllr Thornber was in charge of Hampshire County Council when it had to make 1,800 job cuts when the recession hit in 2008.

The news came at the Beaulieu Estate Dinner event where the host, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, said: ‘Cllr Thornber has just announced his decision to stand down at the next election due to declining health.

‘Ken has been a very conscientious ward councillor and was also a dedicated leader of the county council. He rarely missed a meeting and always made a positive contribution to those he attended.’