ONE OF Hampshire's best-known politicians has quit public life after more than half a century.
Roy Perry, a member and former leader of Hampshire County Council, did not defend his Romsey Rural seat in this week's local elections.
Mr Perry, 78, became a councillor in 1970, when he joined Eastleigh Borough Council as a member for Chandler's Ford.
After he and his family moved to West Wellow he was elected to the local parish council and also joined Test Valley Borough Council in 1979.
He served on the authority for 16 years and was leader from 1985 to 1994, overseeing the provision of the Romsey Rapids complex.