Eastleigh Borough Council has elected a new mayor following the 2024 local elections.

Councillor Dave Pragnell was chosen as the new Mayor of Eastleigh by his fellow councillors at the Mayor Making ceremony on Monday, May 20.

Dave has represented the Chandler's Ford ward since 2012 and he also serves as a Chandler's Ford Parish Councillor.

His wife Jean will act as the Mayoress and work to support Dave in his duties.

Dave was born in 1958 and attended Montgomery of Alamein secondary school in Winchester.

After finishing school, the Eastleigh councillor became a shoe repairer for 19 years before moving into facilities maintenance; he currently works for Kier Plc.

He met his wife Jean at a social event, and they married in 1980.

They have three children, Claire, Samantha and Simon, and two grandchildren, Nathan and Julian.

Cllr Pragnell said: “I am very excited about being Mayor of Eastleigh.

“It will give me a chance of seeing more of the fantastic work done by so many people in our communities.

“These projects are often run by volunteers who deserve our support and I will be delighted to do so on behalf of us all.”

Dave has chosen Centrestage Youth Productions Theatre and Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society as his charities for the year.

Councillor Janice Asman, who represents West End South, was chosen as Deputy Mayor for the year.