St Francis and Stratford councillor steps down from cabinet for new role

Tuesday, 10 January 2023 00:00

Wiltshire Council Leader Cllr Richard Clewer has confirmed that Cllr Dr Mark McClelland has stepped down from his role as Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, Street Scene and Flooding.

Cllr Clewer thanked Cllr McClelland for his hard work and commitment after it was confirmed he has stepped down due to being appointed as Special Adviser to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

This new role means he is no longer able to fulfil his role as a member of the Wiltshire Council Cabinet.

Cllr Clewer said: “I want to thank Cllr McClelland for his service and great commitment to his role throughout his time on cabinet and I wish him well for the future. Mark has worked tremendously hard with officers and other cabinet members to ensure we have been able to progress a number of our business plan priorities and deliver the best outcomes for residents and businesses across Wiltshire. I have appointed Cllr Caroline Thomas as Cabinet Member for Highways and Cllr Nick Holder as Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change.”

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have resigned from the Cabinet of Wiltshire Council. Over the past 18 months, I am very proud of our achievements in transport and waste – increasing funding for drainage, line painting, parish stewards, and cracking down successfully on fly-tipping. I have also overseen the award of new contracts for highways and grounds maintenance and ensured that improving and expanding our road network is at the heart of our transport policy.

“I am particularly pleased that we have put Salisbury’s chronic congestion issues higher up the agenda with National Highways. After many decades of inertia, I look forward to this bearing fruit in the months ahead.

“There are very few circumstances in which I could have envisaged resigning voluntarily from my role but the opportunity to serve as Special Adviser to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the heart of the government is not something I could turn down. I look forward to continuing to work hard for the residents of St Francis and Stratford from the backbenches and securing the best outcomes for Salisbury and Wiltshire.”

More from Local News

Burglar who broke into house and attacked victim whilst he slept is jailed

A man who broke into a Salisbury home and attacked his victim whilst he slept has been jailed.
Four arrested and dozens of vehicle offences identified in day of action

Four people were arrested, and dozens of vehicle offences were identified in a joint Roads Policing, DVSA, and Immigration operation yesterday (5th March) on our roads.
PCC Supports Continuing Cross‑Border Effort to Combat Rural Offending

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has reaffirmed his commitment to partnership working and strengthened cross‑border collaboration as Operation Ragwort continues to bring together forces from across the South West to tackle rural crime.
High Court Rules Against Wiltshire Council on Old Sarum Airfield Planning

A High Court judge has ordered Wiltshire Council to pay the defendant's legal fees after dismissing their application for planning statutory review.
Man charged with drink driving following Woodfalls collision

A man is due in court following a collision in Woodfalls.
New flood advice websites launched to help Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset

The Environment Agency has launched two new websites about flood issues in Wiltshire, Dorset, and Somerset.
Consultation on the future of post‑16 transport for young people with SEND begins today

Video

Wiltshire Council is launching a consultation on proposed changes to non-statutory post-16 transport for young people with SEND who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and is encouraging everyone to have their say.
Sharing ‘The Spitfire Story’ raises thousands for ALABARÉ

A fascinating talk, telling the incredible story of the iconic Spitfire aircraft and its links to Salisbury, has raised over £6,000 for homeless veterans' charity, ALABARÉ.