They were returned as the largest group following the 1 May election to Wiltshire Council but not by a large enough margin to claim overall control. There were forty three LibDem Councillors elected out of ninety eight, they needed fifty to lead the Council and after nearly three weeks of negotiations they were able to secure this number in a secret ballot.
The ballot took place on Monday and ian Thorn, leader of the LibDem group was appointed as Leader of the Council. Who supported the libDems? It was secret. Where did their extra seven votes come from? There were seven independents elected (one is now a cabinet member – Jon Hubbard, Councillor for Melksham Southn and now with the Children’s Services, Education, and Skills portfolio) and one Labour Cllr but did they all support the LibDems?
The obvious answer is, of course, (nearly) yes. But the ballot was secret, there couldn’t have been complete unanimity across those Independents and the one Labour Councillor as that would have potentially delivered fifty one seats, so there was one Independent/Labour Cllr and maybe more who didn’t side with the LibDems, in which case one or more of the Conservatives – and who knows – Reform UK(?!?!) Cllrs could have supported the LibDems as well.
This latter scenario would give cause for concern as for any (important) vote, the LibDem vote might not reach that magic fifty as a ‘supportive’ Conservative or Reform Cllr may side with their own, and undermine the anticipated majority.
OK, all this is what’s called ‘Politics’. But the losers in any such wrangling would be us – here in Marlborough and across the rest of the Unitary Council area. The customers of Wiltshire Council, those who pay very significant sums to the Council every year / month in Council Tax, Green Bin rent, parking charges and plenty more ways besides. We need a Council that can act on our behalf and not play at politics and as we have all (collectively) enabled the LibDems to become the largest group then we have to expect them to steer the Council, it’s actions and its policies in a way that serves all of our interests. They are there for us.
The next four years could be ‘interesting’. Let’s hope not. ‘Boring’ and ‘tedious’ could be much more appealing…..
Fun, joy and celebration at Oare Spring Festival
