FORMER leader of Wiltshire Council, Baroness Jane Scott of Bybrook, will step down as a councillor after being offered a new central government role.

The Bybrook councillor, who has been on the council for 25 years – 16 of which as leader, has been appointed as a Whip in the House of Lords.

Baroness Scott said: “This is a very sad day for me. It has been a great pleasure but also a huge privilege to be a Wiltshire councillor and to support the Bybrook villages over 25 years. I will miss my job but I am looking forward to my new role in government.”

A unitary by-election will take place in due course for the Bybrook division and details of that will be confirmed soon.

Wiltshire council leader, Cllr Philip Whitehead, said: "Jane has always been committed to doing her absolute best on behalf of the people and communities of Wiltshire throughout her time as both a councillor and as leader of Wiltshire Council. I would like to thank her for the brilliant work she did throughout her 25 years.

"I wish Jane all the best for the future and I’m sure she will excel in her new role.”

Queries and information relating to the division should be sent in the interim to committee@wiltshire.gov.uk.