Map from Richard Johnson The previous council had 15 Conservative, 5 Labour, 1 Lib Dem, 1 Independent. New members of the council include Charles McGrath, Ed Rimmer, Mary Webb, Cliona Hibbert, Mark Mewse, Paul Cunningham, and Jo King (all Conservative); Samuel Charleston, Victoria Charleston, Alan Bayliss, Chris Stanway, and Paul Sample (Liberal Democrat); John Wells and Jenny Bolwel (Labour), and Annie Riddle (Independent). This could affect all kinds of policy decisions, especially as no party can command the majority. Could a Lib-Lab coalition pact be in the offing, in order to get policies through? One thing that will be affected by the changes in council, both Wiltshire and Salisbury, is the People Friendly Streets scheme.
WITH Conservatives no longer holding the majority in Salisbury City Council, newly elected members have celebrated the want for change. Revealed yesterday, May 9, as part of the Local Election count, the authority is now made up of 11 Conservative, six Labour and six Liberal Democrat councillors and one Independent. Comparing to the previous Local Election result in 2017, the Conservatives have lost four seats, Labour has gained one, Liberal Democrats gained five and the one Independent seat was retained, but by a different candidate.
Infographic courtesy of Richard Johnson Following this result, Annie Riddle, newly elected councillor for west Harnham and the only independent on Salisbury City Council, said: I m very honoured that people in west Harnham have trusted me with their votes and have changed the voting habit of a lifetime to do so.
After the vote, Wiltshire Council said it will consider reinstating the scheme, with councillor Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, saying the council was pleased that SCC has debated and agreed a motion on this important scheme , and that it continues to support it . Cllr Wayman: “We will look to revisit this scheme in 2021, and will consider reinstating it with continued support from all stakeholders in the city.” The support of SCC will remain an important factor in the future of the scheme going forward, and leaders of Wiltshire Council will be keeping an eye on the make-up of SCC once the elections are over.