Wiltshire Council to be run by Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Councillor Ian Thorn is Wiltshire Council's new leader

The Liberal Democrats have taken control of Wiltshire Council after winning a leadership vote by one and collaborating with independent councillors.

No party won enough votes in May's elections for an overall majority, but the Lib Dems secured the highest number of seats.

Following the partnership between the Lib Dems and independents, councillor Ian Thorn has become the new council leader.

He said: "I think it's fantastic that politicians of all parties are forced to work together. I think that's a good thing, I think we get better outcomes."

New leader Ian Thorn (left) shakes hands with former leader, Conservative Richard Clewer (right)

The area has long been viewed as a Conservative stronghold, with the party controlling Wiltshire Council since it became a unitary authority in 2009.

It makes this change a big one, however councillor Thorn sees this as an "opportunity" to encourage parties to work together more.

"No party can achieve it's objectives without working with others," he said.

Speaking to the BBC, he added that Wiltshire would start to see changes from his new administration in July, when they will be able to set out a new programme at a full council meeting.

"The big issue as we all know was potholes and if I have to don a high-vis jacket and get out there myself, I will do it," councillor Thorn said.

He explained some of the intentions would be a new local plan, stopping unwanted development and seeing if they could help improve NHS services.

Independent Councillor Jon Hubbard now has a cabinet position on the council

To secure a majority on the council, the Liberal Democrats approached the independent group of councillors for support.

One of those is Jon Hubbard, who was offered a cabinet position.

Councillor Hubbard, who is now the cabinet member for children's services, said: "I was approached by both parties, but the one that I felt shared my vision with children's services in Wiltshire was the Liberal Democrat group."

He said he liked the party's message of "inclusivity".

Conservative Councillor Richard Clewer is now leader of the opposition

Meanwhile, former leader of the council, Conservative Richard Clewer, is now the leader of the opposition.

"I'm a bit frustrated, sad not to be carrying on with the job, but that's politics," he said.

He described the results of the local elections for the Conservatives as "bruising" across the country, and said they did better in Wiltshire than other areas.

"I think it's going to be very challenging for anyone to find an easy way to lead Wiltshire Council," he added.