A NEW chairman and vice chairman were elected at Wiltshire Council’s annual meeting.

In the fourth council meeting to be broadcast live on the internet, Cllr Richard Britton was elected as chairman with Cllr Allison Bucknell elected as vice chairman.

Cllr Britton, who represents Alderbury and Whiteparish said: “I’m hugely flattered to be elected chair and I’m looking forward to representing the council. It’s a daunting task trying to manage a group of councillors and I’m looking forward to rising to the challenge.”

After a career in the early computer industry, Cllr Britton obtained a master’s degree in business administration, leading to a career in management consultancy.

Then, as a serial entrepreneur, he spent nearly twenty years setting up, developing and disposing of, a series of small businesses.

He was first elected councillor in Salisbury District Council in 2003, served as a cabinet member, and then became leader of that council.

At Wiltshire Council he is chairman of the Southern Wiltshire Area Board, chairman of the Police and Crime Panel, vice-chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Southern Planning committees.

He served as vice chairman of the council last year.

He still works as a commercial finance broker and has been married to June for 34 years.

Outgoing chairman Cllr Roy While was congratulated by Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott who said he had been a “wonderful ambassador for the county and the council".

Cllr While said it was good the council was “taking the council chamber out into the community".

He said: “Anything that can bring information about the council activities and get wider participation in the community is to the benefit of us all.”

Speaking of his time in office he added: “One thing that comes through is the diversity of the parishes and towns and the pride people have in their particular area.”