After 34 years sitting on the lower benches of Wiltshire Council’s debating chamber, Westbury East councillor Gordon King now has a seat at the top table.
Following the Liberal Democrats’ victory in the May local elections, which ended Conservative control of Wiltshire Council since the unitary authority was formed in 2009, Cllr King has been appointed cabinet member for Adult Social Care.
Speaking from County Hall in Trowbridge, he said his priorities would be innovation, prevention and ensuring every resident can live with dignity and independence.
Cllr King said, “I think the key difference between 1991 and now, more than anything else, is that there was more money. There were opportunities to do things and change your community.
“I remember, in the early nineties, Wiltshire Council took the decision to end the lollipop lady scheme. I was very concerned about the impact of that in Westbury with our busy roads.
“I persuaded the highways department to convert the money saved into pelican crossings which now straddle the A350 and other routes to schools.
“But as time has gone on, budgets have become more constrained. We’ve seen this particularly after the 2007 financial crash and since 2009, during what feels like endless austerity.”
Adult Social Care is a costly sector for local authorities in England, as the money goes towards essential areas like care homes, home care and other support services.
Cllr King, who previously worked for British Rail and the National Trust, continued, “My job – alongside our incredibly hardworking council officers – is to make sure everyone gets to lead the best life they can, with dignity and respect.
“Adult Social Care has a budget of about £194 million, and about 30% of that goes towards the salaries of those who work in the service. Every other penny is spent on procured commissioned services to the public. In some ways, many things are already decided.
“But moving forward, I want this council to have a real laser-focus on innovation and prevention. The more people we can help to live better lives within their communities, the less demand there will be on the public purse.”
Outside County Hall, Cllr King’s evenings and weekends still take him back to Westbury for town council meetings and community events.
Cllr King, 68, added, “I am very proud to live in Westbury. I’ve been here almost my whole life.
“I was born in Manchester, and my mum and dad were both in the military. We moved to Westbury when I was eight, and I’ve been here ever since.
“As far as I’m concerned, Westbury has always been on the map. It will never be forgotten by me or this council.
“My journey as a politician since 1991 has always been about people and making sure they are as well served as they possibly can be. I want the council to expand out of County Hall and be ‘taken on the road’ as it was, so people feel they can play a part in decision-making and the future of their towns.”
Pictured: Cllr Gordon King outside County Hall in Trowbridge.
