Chairman of the Council
The Chairman is the ceremonial civic head of the Council. The Chairman must be a serving County Councillor, but should remain politically impartial in the discharge of their role. A Chairman must not be a member of the Executive.
The Chairman is elected at the Annual Meeting of the Council which is held in May each year.
The role can be very demanding and the Chairman normally attends in excess of 400 - 500 events in the year.
The Chairman for 2025/26 is Councillor Mel Buckley.
Councillor Mel Buckley has been appointed as Chair of Flintshire County Council for the year 2025-26.
Cllr Buckley represents the Flint Oakenholt Ward at both town and county level, and prior to this was a town councillor for Flint Trelawny Ward.
Cllr Buckley has served as Mayor of Flint on two occasions during which she was able to raise a healthy amount of money for local worthy causes.
Cllr Buckley actively supports Flint Town United Ladies F.C. and Flint Ladies Choir, where she was previously Chair for many years.
Cllr Buckley organised and fundraised for Flint Pride which was held in 2024 promoting unity and inclusion in our communities.
Cllr Buckley enjoys the natural beauty of the environment and is often out walking with her faithful long haired chihuahua Shep.
Cllr Buckley has one adult daughter who currently serves in the Royal Navy.
The Chairman has a key role in the Council including:-
- being the politically impartial civic leader of Flintshire and to uphold the democratic values of the Council
- promoting the objectives and services of the County Council and raising the profile of Flintshire itself
- acting as an ambassador for the County Council and Flintshire
- fostering community identity and pride
- recognition of individuals and organisations who have brought success to the County
The Chairman has other responsibilities such as:-
- presiding over meetings of the Council to ensure they are conducted efficiently and with regard to the rights of Councillors and the interests of the community
- attending Civic and Ceremonial events
- inviting individuals and representatives of organisations to events at County Hall and other venues
At the beginning of the year the Chairman may nominate a charity or charities to benefit from funds raised during the year of office. The Chairman's chosen charities this year are:
- The Counselling Hub
- Giddo's Gift
The Vice Chairman for 2025/26 is Councillor Debbie Owen.
Cllr Debbie Owen has been appointed as Vice-Chair of Flintshire County Council for the year 2025-26
Cllr Owen represents Central Ward in Connahs Quay at both Town and County level.
Cllr Owen has previously been Vice-Chair and Chair of Connahs Quay Town Council.
Cllr Owen supports lots of organisations locally.
She is married to Mr Allen Owen, who will be her Consort. They have 3 children and 7 Grandchildren.
Councillor Owen’s consort will be her husband Mr Allen Owen.
The Chairman welcomes School Council groups, Charitable groups etc to visit him / her at County Hall. Guests will be invited into the Chairman's lounge and can have a tour of the Chambers. The Chairman would also be delighted to visit residents of Flintshire who are celebrating 100th birthdays, milestone anniversaries or attend openings of events, businessses and Charitable occasions.
If you wish to invite the Chairman to attend an event you have organised please contact:
Mrs. Karen Jones
Civic & Members' Services Officer
Civic & Members' Services
Flintshire County Council, Tŷ Dewi Sant, St. Davids Park, Ewloe, CH5 3FF
Telephone No: 01352 702152
E-mail: chairman.assistant@flintshire.gov.uk
The 2024/2025 outgoing Chairman Cllr. Dennis Hutchinson raised £5,000 which will be donated to his nominated Charity:
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
- 1996 – 1996 Mrs. I. Fellow M.B.E. J.P
- 1996 – 1998 Mr. H.O. Clarke
- 1998 – 1999 Mr. W.A. Jones J.P
- 1999 – 2000 Mr. I.L. Roberts M.B.E. J.P
- 2000 – 2001 Mr. T.W. Jones O.B.E
- 2001 – 2002 Mrs. A. Slowik
- 2002 – 2004 Mr. J. Ovens
- 2004 – 2005 Mr. K.W. Richardson
- 2005 – 2006 Mr. P.J. Curtis
- 2006 – 2007 Mr. D. Barratt
- 2007 – 2008 Mrs. A. Minshull
- 2008 – 2009 Mr. Q.R.H. Dodd
- 2009 – 2010 Mr. C. Legg
- 2010 – 2011 Mr. W.O. Thomas
- 2011 – 2012 Mrs. H. McGuill
- 2012 – 2013 Mrs. A. Minshull J.P
- 2013 – 2014 Mrs. C. Thomas
- 2014 – 2015 Mrs. G.D. Diskin J.P
- 2015 – 2016 Mr. R. Hughes
- 2016 – 2017 Mr. P. J. Curtis
- 2017 – 2018 Mr. R. B. Lloyd
- 2018 – 2019 Mr. P. Cunningham
- 2019 – 2021 Mrs. M. Bateman
- 2021 – 2022 Mr. J. Johnson
- 2022 – 2023 Mrs. M. Eastwood
- 2023 – 2024 Mrs. G. Healey
- 2024 – 2025 Mr. D. Hutchinson