The time is right to step down as Wiltshire Council Leader

After much consideration I have decided that the time is right for me to step down as Wiltshire Council Leader.  

My last day will be on 9 July and it will be a big moment for me personally and my family.

I have been privileged to be in the role of leader of both Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire County Council since 2003 and the time now feels right to pass the honour onto somebody else. This is a job that cannot be done half-heartedly – it’s all or nothing, and for me it’s always been all.

I like to think that I leave the council in a good position and that’s in no small part to you the staff. Now, and over the past 16 years, you continue to be the heart of the council and I thank you for helping us achieve our vision over the years; we simply couldn’t do it without you.

I leave with many cherished memories. It was so exciting being a part of a brand new authority in 2009. How many councils are afforded that opportunity? It took us a while to really establish the ‘Wiltshire Council’ identity but given the council’s reputation among our peers and on the national stage, there is no doubt that we’ve achieved it. From the historic 2012 events that saw both HM the Queen and the Olympic Torch come to Wiltshire to repositioning ourselves as a modern approachable part of the community through our three main hubs, I hope in my time our reputation has enhanced.

Of course there have been some challenges along the way, and dare I say mistakes have been made. I do not claim to be perfect by any means, but every decision the council and I have made has always been with the best intentions and I hope people recognise that. My time as leader has coincided with the age of austerity and that’s put enormous pressure on our services, but our forward planning and innovative thinking has put us in really good stead, and leaves us in a good place for the future.

I won’t be putting my feet up and become accustomed to daytime TV. I will be continuing my role at the House of Lords and there’s still lots for me to do, and I will always pride myself on being an ambassador for the county of Wiltshire and the council, even if I’m no longer leader.

I wish my successor all the best and I’m sure they will bring with them a fresh perspective and some new ideas which will benefit our communities.

Jane