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The Chairman
The 2018 - 2019 Chairman is Ozzy O'Shea, he is the 44th since the council began in 1889.
The Chairman is Leicestershire’s first citizen. It’s a ceremonial role that’s different from the council’s political leadership.
The Chairman plays an important civic role in engaging with the people of Leicestershire. This includes attending community events.
Ozzy first entered local politics in 1996 as a parish councillor for Ratby, and was elected to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council in 2007, representing the Ratby, Bagworth and Thornton Ward. In 2013 he was elected to the County Council, where he represents Groby and Ratby, and is serving in his second term of office.
As a County Councillor, Ozzy has sat on the Children and Families and Health Overview and Scrutiny committees, the Development Control and Regulatory Board, the Police and Crime Panel and the Combined Fire Authority. He also represents the County Council on the Bradgate and Groby Quarry Liaison Committees.
Ozzy served 28 years as a school Governor and served as Mayor of the Borough of Hinckley & Bosworth during the 2017-18 civic year.
Ozzy spent much of his working career employed by Leicestershire Police, joining in 1973 and retiring in 2016. His 43 years of service saw him serve as a police officer in both the city and the county, later working in a civilian capacity as a supervisor in the force’s operations room.
He is married to Jenny, with two sons, two daughters and nine grandchildren.
During his term of office, Ozzy is supporting Care of Police Survivors (COPS).
The role of the Chairman
The Chairman is elected by the whole council to run council meetings in a fair manner. To do this, the Chairman must distance themselves from the political business of the council.
The Chairman also has a broader role to engage with the people of Leicestershire – so his or her time is spent at 300-400 events, meetings and engagements.
During the year the Chairman will host dinners, receptions and celebrations to show appreciation for service given to the county by representatives of business, faiths, community and volunteering, sport and more.
Invitations to the Chairman
If you would like to invite the Chairman to an event, please send a formal invitation, including all of the event details to Chairman@leics.gov.uk.
Patronages
The Chairman gives his support to the following groups:
- Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust
- Leicester Charity Link
- Magistrates’ Association, Leicestershire & Rutland Branch
- The National Forest Charitable Trust
The Chairman also serves on the University Courts of Leicester and Loughborough Universities, and is Vice-President of the Leicestershire Scout Council.
Civic protocol and order of precedence
Civic protocol is the etiquette to be followed when the Chairman and other important guest are present at events. Precedence sets out who should be given priority and in what order.
Civic protocol guidance Opens new window
Events in Leicestershire
The Chairman takes priority over borough and district dignitaries at county-wide events organised by the county council. For events local to a borough or district, the Chairman will take the position after the local civic head.
Events in Leicester and Rutland
If the Chairman is invited to an event in the City of Leicester or Rutland it’s assumed that the Lord Mayor and Chairman of Rutland will have been invited, and will take precedence.
Other Civic Dignitaries
On occasions where The Chairman is not the only dignitary attending, it’s important to follow the correct order of precedence.
- The Lord–Lieutenant of Leicestershire takes priority over Chairmen and Mayors
- The High Sheriff takes priority after the Lord-Lieutenant
There are no formal rules around the Leader of the Council and county councillors. However the Leader of the Council is the senior member and this should be considered when planning seating and speeches.
If an event includes the local MP they should be recognised but local civic dignitaries should take precedence.
If you are in any doubt - please contact the Civic Affairs Office.