A Wiltshire Council cabinet member has stepped down following a new appointment in the treasury.

Councillor Dr Mark McClelland was previously responsible for transport, waste, street scene and flooding at Wiltshire Council.

Today (January 9) it was announced that he has stepped down due to being appointed as special adviser to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury - who is John Glen, Salisbury MP. 

Mr Glen took up this role in October during Rishi Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle.

Read more: Salisbury MP John Glen new Chief Secretary to Treasury

Cllr McClelland has been John Glen's chief of staff in his Salisbury office since 2017.

His new role means that he is no longer able to fulfill his role as a member of the Wiltshire Council Cabinet.

He will remain a unitary councillor for the St Francis ward.

Cllr Caroline Thomas has been appointed Cabinet Member for Highways and Cllr Nick Holder is now Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have resigned from the Cabinet of Wiltshire Council.

"Over the past 18 months, I am very proud of our achievements in transport and waste – increasing funding for drainage, line painting, parish stewards, and cracking down successfully on fly-tipping.

"I have also overseen the award of new contracts for highways and grounds maintenance and ensured that improving and expanding our road network is at the heart of our transport policy."

Cllr McClelland said that he looks forward to his efforts in combating Salisbury's congestion issues "bearing fruit in the months ahead".

He added: “There are very few circumstances in which I could have envisaged resigning voluntarily from my role but the opportunity to serve as Special Adviser to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the heart of the government is not something I could turn down.

"I look forward to continuing to work hard for the residents of St Francis and Stratford from the backbenches and securing the best outcomes for Salisbury and Wiltshire.”

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, thanked Cllr McClelland for his service and "great commitment", adding: "Mark has worked tremendously hard with officers and other cabinet members to ensure we have been able to progress a number of our business plan priorities and deliver the best outcomes for residents and businesses across Wiltshire."