Long-serving town councillor Jon Hubbard has resigned from Melksham Town Council after 17 years, citing ongoing concerns about poor governance, financial mismanagement and a lack of effective oversight.
First elected in 2008, Cllr Hubbard, a former town mayor, announced his resignation today, Tuesday 15th July, saying the decision had not been taken lightly, but that “fundamental operational issues” had made it impossible for him to continue serving effectively.
“After considerable reflection, I have concluded that I can no longer effectively serve the residents who elected me while fundamental operational issues at the council remain unaddressed,” he said. “Despite the dedicated efforts of many councillors, I have lost confidence that the necessary changes will be implemented in a reasonable timeframe.
“My concerns centre on several key areas of council operations, including persistent financial administration issues, inadequate reporting procedures, and a concerning disconnect between officer actions and council oversight. These matters have created an environment where I cannot fulfil my duties with the integrity that residents deserve.”
Cllr Hubbard, who is also a Wiltshire councillor and cabinet member for Children’s Services, said his new responsibilities at county level demand significant time and attention, and he believes he can now better serve the local community by focusing on that role.
“I am confident that someone with fresh energy and renewed optimism can take on the important work of bringing about the changes that Melksham Town Council urgently needs,” he added.
“I want to thank the residents who placed their trust in me and my fellow councillors who work tirelessly for our community. I remain committed to serving local people through my role at Wiltshire Council and will continue to support initiatives that benefit our area.
“I hope that my decision will contribute to the necessary conversations about improving governance and accountability at the town council level.”
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Jon Hubbard is quite correct to highlight ‘poor governance, financial mismanagement and a lack of effective oversight’ being prevalent in Melksham Town Council (MTC).
Only recently MTC officers confirmed by way of a response to a Freedom of Information Request that they did not have systems in place to monitor what, if anything, £90,000 Community Infrastructure Levy had been expended on. I notified their external auditor, since this would be a potential illegal failing in terms of regulations, and they’ve agreed to raise it with MTC at the next audit.
It should be noted that only 2 MTC councillors are elected and the LibDem majority was more of an unopposed coup. I stood, unsuccessfully, as a Wiltshire Council candidate in the 2025 local elections in Melksham East and I’d encourage residents of Melksham South to write to the Wiltshire Council Returning Officer to request a by-election, as opposed to another co-option fiasco, and to stand, if they feel strongly and are up to the undoubted hard slog to make a positive difference.