JANE Scott has been re-appointed leader of Wiltshire Council at the authority’s first meeting after the local elections.

Baroness Scott has named two councillors from the south of the county to her cabinet.

Richard Clewer (Downton and Ebble Valley) is now cabinet member for corporate services, heritage, arts and tourism.

And Bridget Wayman (Nadder and East Knoyle) is cabinet member for highways, transport and waste.

Cllr Wayman said after the meeting that she was very pleased to have been appointed.

“I look forward to working with all members across the county as I learn about the various issues and concerns with the aim of improving services,” she said.

Cllr Clewer said after the meeting: “I’m delighted to be on the cabinet.

“There’s a lot of hard complex work, particularly with the governance review, over the course of the next four years, which will be an interesting challenge.

“There is a much more diverse and youthful group of portfolio holders. We will have a more dynamic administration.”

Baroness Scott thanked those councillors who had retired and those who had lots their seats.

“We have lost some good councillors but that’s politics,” she said. "We have all been elected to make Wiltshire a better place to live, work and visit. Over the next four years we will make this county greater than it is already.”

Other cabinet members appointed include John Thomson, who will continue as deputy leader, with responsibility for communications, communities, leisure and libraries; Laura Mayes (children, education and skills), Jerry Wickham (adult social care, public health and public protection), Toby Sturgis (planning and property), Philip Whitehead (finance and IT) and Chuck Berry (economic development and housing).

Allison Bucknell replaces Richard Britton as chairman, with James Sheppard vice chairman.

Cllr Britton, who represents Alderbury and Whiteparish, said it had been a “great privilege” to be chairman for two years.