THE Liberal Democrats will lead the Wiltshire Council for the next four years, following an intense Full Council meeting at County Hall today to determine who would take the reins after neither Lib Dems or Conservatives won enough seats for a majority in the May Elections.
The Conservatives have held County Hall since 2000 but following the elections, the Lib Dems won the most seats with 43 and Conservatives had 37 leaving neither party with the majority vote to lead Wiltshire Council.
To take control of the 98-seat council, 50 votes were needed today. Whilst the Conservatives were hoping to strike deals with other parites, it was Liberal Democrats who triumphed with Cllr Ian Thorn gaining 50 votes to Richard Clewer's 45.
Cllr Thorn has been a member of Wiltshire Council since 2013, standing for Calne Central. In the May elections he won both a seat on Wiltshire Council and Calne Town Council, and last week he was made Calne Town Mayor.
Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "It is a real privilege to be appointed as the Leader of Wiltshire Council. I am committed to ensuring respectful and thoughtful debate across all 98 councillors in Wiltshire. All councillors want what's best for their communities and my administration will be open to collaboration with those from all parties, ensuring that we work together for the benefit of the people of Wiltshire.
"We want to create closer links with our communities and make sure their hopes, concerns and needs are reflected in all the decisions we make on their behalf. My Cabinet and I can't wait to get started and we have a plan in place to enable us to hit the ground running, ensuring we provide quality services while helping those most in need."
Cllr Thorn's leadership aims to address the diverse needs of Wiltshire's residents. His vision includes encouraging constructive dialogue and mutual respect among councillors, which he believes is essential for effective governance.
In addition to the appointment of the new Leader, Wiltshire Council has also announced the members of the Cabinet who will support Cllr Thorn in his administration. Including the Leader of the Council, who will also take on responsibility for Communications and Transformation. The Cabinet will consist of 10 members. Collectively the Cabinet has responsibility for taking the day-to-day decisions within the council.
The new Cabinet members will play a crucial role in implementing the council's policies and initiatives, working closely with Cllr Thorn to achieve the administration's goals.
Following today's meeting the full cabinet has been confirmed as:
Cllr Laura Mayes (Con) has been elected as Chairman of the Council.
Cllr Ruth Hopkinson (LD) has been elected as Vice-Chairman of the Council.
Cllr Ian Thorn (LD) has been elected as Leader of the Council.
Cllr Ian Thorn has appointed Cllr Mel Jacob (LD) as Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement and Democratic Services.
Cllr Gordon King (LD) has been appointed as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.
Cllr Martin Smith (LD) has been announced as Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding.
Cllr Paul Sample (LD) has been announced as Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste.
Cllr Jon Hubbard (Ind) has been announced as Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.
Cllr Gavin Grant (LD) has been appointed as Cabinet Member for Finance.
Cllr Adrian Foster (LD) has been announced as Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development Management and Housing.
Cllr Clare Cape (LD) has been appointed as Cabinet Member for Public Health and Co-ordination with the NHS.
Cllr Helen Belcher (LD) has been formally announced as Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets.
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