Chairman of Hart District Council
The role of the Chairman and introducing our current Chairman and Vice-Chairman
About the role of Chairman
The Chairman:
- is a serving district councillor
- chairs full Council meetings
- must remain politically impartial and cannot be a member of the Cabinet
- is the ceremonial head of the Council and first representative of the district
- supports local events and functions, raises money for charity and represents the Council and its interests
- maintains links between Hart and other organisations, both voluntary and commercial
- promotes the district on visits elsewhere
Our current Chairman
Councillor Peter Wildsmith was elected as Chairman of Hart District Council at the Annual Meeting on 18 May 2023.

Councillor Peter Wildsmith
Our current Vice-Chairman
Our current Vice-Chairman is Councillor Dermot Smith.

Councillor Dermot Smith
Invite the Chairman to an event
The Chairman welcomes invitations to attend events held by local organisations such as schools and businesses. Due to demand, the Chairman regrets it may not be possible to accept every invitation. We will contact you within one week should the Chairman be available to attend your event.
To invite the Chairman to your event, please contact the Chairman's secretary on 01252 774143 or email chairman@hart.gov.uk.
Chairman's charities
Every year, our elected Chairman chooses charities and causes to support during their year in office.
For his term, the Chairman has chosen Fleet Phoenix and Vision 4 Youth. Both these focus on young people, breaking down barriers and developing the skills they need to be independent and responsible.
Fundraising events
If you have any ideas for an event to raise money for the Chairman's charity, please contact the Chairman's secretary on 01252 774143 or email chairman@hart.gov.uk.
Past Chairmen
Details of past Chairmen can be found in the following documents: