THE results of the elections for Unitary Wiltshire Councillors have been published, with Reform UK taking two of the seats for Calne.
Reform UK made a gain from the Conservative party in Calne North, with Mike Sankey gaining 381 votes to closest rival James Green, Lib Dem on 342. Tom Rounds, Conservative got 197 votes with Labour's Jon Fisher taking 106 votes.
Mike told us: "I am very humbled and appreciate the opportunity that the residents of Calne North have given me to represent them."
In Calne Chilvester & Abberd ward, it was another win for Reform UK where, following a recount, Augusta Urqhart-Nicholls emerged the winner with 407 votes to outgoing Lib Dem, Robert MacNaughton on 398. Conservative's Sarah-Jayne Elizabeth Puntis got 168 votes to Labour's John Boaler on 104 votes.
Speaking of her victory Augusta told us: "I am humbled that the residents of Calne Chilvester and Abberd have placed their trust in me: a new candidate, for a new party.
"I look forward to doing everything I can to deliver excellence for the community at all levels, and holding the council to higher standards, because if Reform UK want to be the next government in 2029, we've got to start proving ourselves now."
Liberal Democrats held Calne South with Sam Pearce-Kearney winning his seat back with 900 votes to Siggy Wilbert Reform UK 264, Rose Hoskins Conservative 152 and Tara Fisher for Labour 29 votes.
Sam told us: "I am honoured to announce that I have been re-elected as the Unitary Councillor for the Calne South Division.
I’d like to thank everyone who supported me and came out to vote, along with my volunteers and the rest of the Lib Dem team. I also want to thank all the staff involved in the election for their dedication in ensuring a well run election.
For me, listening matters, I am excited to continue to listen to people and work with them, community groups, and fellow councillors to achieve the best outcomes for our community. I will keep being a strong voice for the area."
Liberal Democrat, Ian Thorn retained his seat for Calne Central with 595 votes to Reform UK's Violette Simpson 465, Bobby Seymour, Conservative 254 and Celia Stevens for Labour 78 votes.
And in Calne Rural, Conservative, Ashley O'Neill took a commanding win with 820 votes to Paul Alan Logan Reform UK's 359, Steve Townsend Lib Dem 339 and Labour's John Barnes on 224 votes.
For the first time since 2000, Wiltshire Council sees no party majority after 25 years of Conservative control, with Liberal Democrats taking 43 seats to Conservatives 37, Reform UK 10, Independent 7 and Labour 1.
Liberal Democrats in Wiltshire have vowed to “fight for every resident” after becoming the largest party on the County Council, ending years of Conservative rule.
The party gained 16 seats, giving them 43 seats in total. This was up from 27 at the last Wiltshire Council election in 2021.
Speaking on behalf of the Wiltshire Liberal Democrats, Sarah Gibson said: “I am delighted that we have made so many gains. For sixteen years, the Conservatives have neglected our area, let our roads go to ruin, and allowed volume housebuilders to have free rein over our county.
“I’m so grateful to all of our volunteers who worked so hard over the weeks, months, and years leading up to this election. We could not have done any of this without them.
“Liberal Democrats have won across the country and I’m so pleased our county is no exception. People know we will champion the issues that matter to them, work hard, and never take their votes for granted.
“We will repay the faith and immense trust put in us by the voters and we will work tirelessly to make Wiltshire a better place.”
Ian Thorn, who has held his Calne Central seat and is the leader of the Wiltshire Liberal Democrats, added: "Proud an humbled to be elected to serve the people of Calne Central. Now the election is over the work starts again.
“I am delighted that the Liberal Democrats are now the largest party in Wiltshire. I am determined that we roll up our sleeves and fix the issues that our residents have told us about on the doorsteps. We want action, not words.”
Photo credit: Wiltshire Council
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