Lib Dems ‘taking credit for our work,’ says Conservative leader
The Liberal Democrats took control of Wiltshire Council in May
The Conservative Group leader at Wiltshire Council has blasted the Liberal Democrat administration for taking credit for his party’s work.
And the Lib Dems have been branded ‘hypocrites’ for heralding a 44 percent reduction in the number of complaints about potholes, with the Tories saying they had voted against additional funding to fix the roads.
In the run-up to May’s council elections, both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives said potholes was the issue most raised by electors on doorsteps.
On Wednesday, Wiltshire Council said its “commitment to improving road conditions” was paying off, with a 44 percent reduction in the number of potholes reported in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Wiltshire Council leader Ian Thorn said: “We know that we have much more to do to improve Wiltshire’s roads, but it is clear that our investment and the hard work of our teams is making a huge difference to Wiltshire’s roads.
“Seeing pothole reports fall by 44 percent in the first half of the year compared to 2024 is a real success story for the council.
“We know how passionate our communities are about potholes, and we share that passion for getting them repaired.”
But Conservative group leader Richard Clewer hit out, saying: “The work of the last Conservative administration in securing this funding, and
Wiltshire Council’s officer team and contractors work to significantly increase the maintenance teams and pothole-filling ‘bobcats’ in delivering extra repairs, is an excellent example of what a well-run, effective council can deliver.
“It is essential that this extra funding is continued through continued effective financial management and not through borrowing or use of Council reserves.
“We are, however, concerned at the hypocrisy of the current Liberal Democrat leadership of Wiltshire Council, in trying to take credit for this work, especially given that they voted against the extra funding in the last two council budgets.
“The Nolan principles for public life include ‘accountability, openness and honesty’. For the Lib Dem administration to take credit in any way for work carried out by funding allocated by a Conservative administration is totally wrong.
“What is worse is that the Liberal Democrats voted against the extra highways’ investment in the Council’s budget over recent years. This is neither accountable, open, nor honest behaviour.
“The public deserves better from their elected representatives; the current Leadership of Wiltshire Council needs to stop trying to take credit for the work of the last Conservative administration and apologise to Wiltshire residents for misleading them.”
Cllr Thorn has been approached for comment.