A former farmer and businessman with more than 20 years' experience as a local councillor has been appointed as Derbyshire County Council's new Civic Chairman.

Councillor David Taylor, who has been the county councillor for Alport and Derwent Division since 2014, accepted his new position at the council's AGM on 24 May, taking over from Councillor David Wilson.

Councillor Taylor, who has spent the last 12 months as Civic Vice Chairman, was presented with his chain of office at the meeting by Councillor Wilson as his last official duty in the role.

He will be supported in his new role by Councillor Tony Kemp who will be the new Civic Vice Chairman, with Councillor Trevor Ainsworth remaining as the council Chairman.

The Civic Chairman’s role is to act as an ambassador for Derbyshire and to be a link between the county council and local community bodies, charities and groups.  

Councillor Taylor has years of experience representing communities as a councillor under his belt, first becoming a parish councillor for Idridgehay, Alton and Ashleyhay in 1998, and then becoming a councillor on Amber Valley Borough Council in 2011 before being elected as a county councillor. 

He also sits on the county council’s Improvement and Scrutiny Committee for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Carbon Reduction and is a member of the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Married for 48 years to Valerie, Councillor Taylor has two children and two grandchildren, and worked on his father’s farm, and then his own farm, for many years. 

An accident forced him to give up farming and he ran his own property management business, as well as working as a steward at Derby County Football Club, a team he is devoted to.

Councillor Taylor said: “I became involved in politics to try to look after the beautiful countryside we have and to support the community I live in. 

“I am very much looking forward to my role as Civic Chairman and representing the people of Derbyshire and shall carry out all my civic and ceremonial duties with honour and pride. 

“As my consort, my wife Valerie will be a fantastic support to me and I know she is looking forward to her role too. 

“I am hoping to meet as many people as possible over the next 12 months and seeing a lot more of Derbyshire. I shall certainly throw myself into the role, adding my own personal touch.” 

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