Ex Royal Navy engineer swaps radar for the reins of Lancashire County Council
The new Chairman of Lancashire County Council, 47, began his working life in the Royal Navy as an operator mechanic.
County Councillor Lee Hutchinson is now an experienced IT field engineer whose career has taken him far and wide.
Yet it was on his home turf in Chorley that he was elected in May last year to Lancashire County Council as a Reform UK councillor for the Chorley South division.
A former student at Heywood Community High School and Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale, Cllr Hutchinson first notched up qualifications in electronics and electrical installation during his studies before getting a job as an operator mechanic in the Royal Navy.
There, he worked on radar, weapons systems and oceanographic survey equipment.
Putting his expertise and experience to good use, Cllr Hutchinson then swapped life on the ocean waves for life in the IT sector, working for high profile companies including AVC Europe Ltd, Concorde IT Group, and currently, Stone Computers Ltd.
Holding considerable expertise and experience in IT troubleshooting, installation and maintenance, his work now regularly takes him to places across the UK, supporting the education, public sector and retail sectors nationwide.
Councillor Hutchinson, who was elected to the role of Vice Chair last year, will now step into the role of Chairman when the outgoing Chairman, County Councillor Alf Clempson, steps down. County Councillor Clive Balchin will serve as the new Vice Chairman. The pair were elected to their new roles at the county council's full meeting on Thursday 21 May.
The new Chairman and Vice Chairman of Lancashire County Council
Cllr Hutchinson says his priorities will be the interests of the community, civic pride and addressing local issues.
Following full council, Councillor Hutchinson said:
"I am delighted to take up the role of Chairman of Lancashire County Council and will look forward to continuing to serve the local people of Lancashire by addressing local issues.
"I sincerely look forward to working for the cause and the community of our great county, which is at the heart of everything that we do at the county council."