former diplomat Shelley Parker will be taking up the position of Marlborough’s town clerk next month, following the unexpected death of Derek Wolfe in September.

Mrs Parker, who is in her early 50s, has most recently worked as Cricklade’s town clerk and has a wealth of experience.

Between 1984 and 2003, she worked in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the diplomatic service.

She held various postings, both Whitehall-based and in British embassies and high commissions abroad, including Moscow, Paris and Islamabad.

During these years in the diplomatic service, she worked on management and commercial operations and dealt with various specialised consular and immigration services.

The mother-of-two also has five years of experience working for North Wiltshire District Council in its democratic services and community teams.

She said: “I have been the town clerk in Cricklade for almost four years and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

“I’ve learned so much about this lovely part of Wiltshire, alongside a great team of councillors and staff.

“I’m looking forward to working in Marlborough. Who wouldn’t be? It’s pretty, steeped in history and has a deserved reputation as one the county’s most impressive market towns.

“It has a vibrant, busy high street, as well as residents with a real sense of community and pride in their town.”

Mrs Parker, who is married to fellow civil servant Richard Parker, came second to Mr Wolfe in the process to appoint a new Marlborough town clerk in January last year.

Prior to this, Mr Wolfe had been the acting town clerk for a month, following the departure of his predecessor, Liam Costello, who returned to work closer to his home in Northamptonshire.

Mr Wolfe, 58, died on September 24, at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital, as the result of an aneurysm.

He had fallen ill at his rented apartment in Kennet Place, Marlborough, where he lived during the week, returning to his home in Axminster, Devon, at weekends.

Mrs Parker said: “I am only sorry that the town clerk’s post has become vacant in such sad circumstances.

“I met Derek Wolfe on a handful of occasions and found him to be helpful, knowledgeable and very likeable.”