Cllr Ricky Rogers, representing Fisherton & Bemerton Village, made headlines as he was elected interim chair of Wiltshire Council on May 19, 2026. This election followed the resignations of both the previous chairman and vice chairman, prompting the need for a temporary leader.
Election Overview
At the annual meeting, council chief executive Lucy Townsend emphasized the necessity of appointing an interim chair. Cllr Rogers secured his position through a secret ballot against Cllr Howard Greenman, a Conservative councillor from Kington. Rogers prevailed with a vote count of 51 to 45, with one vote cast for a non-listed candidate.
Brief Tenure as Chair
Taking the seat, Cllr Rogers remarked on his 37 years of experience in the chamber, expressing pride in his role. However, his term as chair lasted only 21 minutes. His primary responsibility was to oversee the election of a permanent chair and vice chair for the upcoming council year of 2026-2027.
New Chair and Vice Chair Elections
Following Rogers’ brief chairmanship, Cllr Laura Mayes, the previous chairman and a Conservative representing Bromham, Rowde & Roundway, contended for the role against Ruth Hopkinson from the Liberal Democrats.
- Election Outcome: Cllr Mayes won with 49 votes to 47, with one councillor abstaining.
Cllr Mayes expressed her surprise at having to prepare a welcome speech instead of a goodbye speech, reflecting on the challenges of chairing under tightly contested conditions. She acknowledged the support received from fellow council members during her previous term.
Current Council Dynamics
Since May 2025, Wiltshire Council has been operating without overall control. The administration is led by the 43 Liberal Democrats, in collaboration with seven independent members. Cllr Mayes’ swift handling of the vice chair election resulted in Cllr Hopkinson’s reappointment, who narrowly defeated Conservative Jerry Kunkler by a single vote.
This series of events highlights the dynamic and sometimes tumultuous nature of Wiltshire Council’s current political landscape, underscoring the significance of both the role of chair and council collaboration.
