The Liberal Democrat group has named its shadow team for the next four years.

The party, which is the largest opposition group to the Conservatives in Wiltshire, will see councillor Ian Thorn remain as its group leader.

Cllr Ruth Hopkinson has stepped aside as deputy leader to be replaced by council veteran Gordon King.

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Newcomers in the shadow cabinet include Salisbury St Edmunds representative Paul Sample, Chippenham’s parliamentary spokesperson, Cllr Helen Belcher, and newly elected Sam Pearce-Kearney who unseated the long-standing Alan Hill in Calne South.

Cllr Thorn said: “I’m delighted to announce an experienced, competent and effective team to fully challenge the new Conservative administration.“In four years of opposition before we had some excellent achievements especially on climate change and delivering free school meals for vulnerable children.

"Over the next four years we will build on these successes and continue to hold the Conservative administration to account in the best interests of Wiltshire residents."

The group leader added that the party will focus on the “big issues that matter to local residents” including community recovery from Covid-19, delivery on climate targets and protecting greenspace from overdevelopment.

The full shadow cabinet is as follows:

  • Leader: Ian Thorn
  • Deputy leader: Gordon King
  • Finance and economic development: Gavin Grant
  • Climate change and communities: Brian Mathew
  • Children’s services: Carole King
  • Transport: Paul Sample
  • Innovation, performance and value for money: Helen Belcher
  • Planning: Sarah Gibson
  • Shadow Cabinet Secretary: Cllr Sam Pearce-Kearney