THE new leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wiltshire has vowed to be a thorn in the side of the Conservative Party following the local elections.

Councillor Ian Thorn has taken over as leader of the liberal party after former group leader, Glenis Ansell, surprisingly lost her unitary seat.

A total of 744 people voted for Coun Thorn to stand in Calne Central, compared with 562 for Conservative Howard Marshall and 144 for Labour’s John Boaler.

“I was very disappointed at the defeat of Glenis Ansell because I thought she would win and remain as leader, but I’m delighted and rather proud that my colleagues voted for me,” said Coun Thorn.

“We had a meeting on Saturday morning which was always the plan and as part of that I was nominated and seconded.”

Coun Thorn had previously been a town councillor in Bradford on Avon and after moving to the Calne area put himself forward for the local and unitary seats for Calne Central.

“In terms of our ambitions, we know that Wiltshire Council need to find cuts of £45million over the next four years and we have to ensure we protect the vulnerable,” said the 52-year-old.

“We’ve got record levels of membership in Wiltshire and the party is in really good shape.

“I’m to do my best, when someone takes on a new job you’re always nervous thinking how it’s going to pan out but we’ll be a thorn in the side of the Conservatives.”