In its first virtual meeting since the start of lockdown, Chippenham Town Council has elected its new mayor.

Cllr Teresa was unanimously elected as the next town mayor with Cllr Chris Ruck – also voted in unanimously – as her deputy – both of the Conservative party.

Former mayor, Cllr Desna Allen said that this was not how she has imagined giving her end of term speech.

She said: “The first nine months were truly delightful, and I would like to express my appreciation to all the organisations, groups and businesses for their hospitality and friendship.

“Thanks also to those councillors who make the effort to support civic events. I firmly believe it is part of our role as a councillor to be visible and take part in community life.”

Cllr Allen also said it was ‘a great disappointment’ that she was not able to hold her final fundraising evening for the homeless charity, Doorway Wiltshire.

Lastly, she wished Cllr Hutton ‘as enjoyable as possible’ a year as mayor.

New mayor, Cllr Teresa Hutton said: “I’d like to formally thanks Cllr Desna Allen for being such a hardworking mayor and I’m so sorry that her mayoral year was cut short.

“I’m very honoured to be the first mayor of Chippenham to be appointed virtually.

“I don’t take this office lightly and I will try to make this as positive as I can within the circumstances that we all find ourselves in.

“I’m very much looking forward to representing and promoting Chippenham as mayor.”

Mayor Hutton also announced her mayoral charity, Wiltshire Portage, who provide free home and specialist education services for pre-school-aged children who have special educational needs.

“Thanks all for your votes and I will do my best to help Teresa and the Town Council in the next 12 months,” said deputy mayor, Chris Ruck.

“I know it’s going to be difficult but we can endure.”