Wiltshire Council leader blocks questions on media ban, sparking concerns over democracy

Democracy at Wiltshire Council is under threat, according to local councillor Jon Hubbard, who has criticised Conservative council leader Richard Clewer for refusing to allow elected members to ask unscheduled questions at a recent Cabinet meeting.

Cllr Hubbard, representing Melksham, was barred from raising urgent concerns over the council’s decision to stop engaging with Wiltshire Publications, publishers of Melksham News, who have been accused by the council of “biased reporting.”

The decision to silence questions unless submitted in advance, described by Cllr Hubbard as unprecedented, prevented him from seeking clarity on what policies, if any, informed the council’s decision to stop engaging with the publisher and what recognised standards were used to assess the so-called bias. Wiltshire Publications, which produces Melksham News and White Horse News in Westbury, is based in his division.

Despite attempts by both Cllr Hubbard (Independent) and Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, to raise these critical issues, their questions were met with dismissal and obstruction. The Conservative leader, Cllr Clewer, shouted over their interventions. 

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Hubbard expressed his shock and dismay at the leader’s conduct.

“I am deeply shocked and distressed by the behaviour of the council leader this morning. We are meant to be serious people doing a serious job, yet he has ridden roughshod over democracy, refusing to answer for his actions. This type of behaviour raises serious questions about his fitness for office.”

He added: “I have served on Wiltshire Council for almost 16 years and have never witnessed behaviour like this. Previous leaders would never have hidden behind made-up rules to evade accountability. What else might Cllr Clewer be trying to conceal?”

Transparency and accountability are vital

Cllr Hubbard stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, noting that Wiltshire Council’s 98 elected members represent communities that expect open governance. By blocking questions, he argued, the council leader undermines fundamental principles of local government.

No information has been given about the policies guiding the decision to sever ties with Wiltshire Publications, nor the methods used to assess alleged bias in the news group’s reporting. “This lack of transparency has left councillors and the public in the dark about the rationale behind the decision, eroding trust in the council’s processes,” Cllr Hubbard stated.

Adding to his criticisms, Cllr Hubbard raised concerns about Wiltshire Council’s rejection of a formal complaint lodged by Wiltshire Publications. The council ruled that corporate bodies cannot submit complaints under its current framework, a decision that Cllr Hubbard described as deeply unfair. “This effectively leaves Wiltshire Publications with no way to challenge the decision or seek redress, calling into question the fairness and inclusivity of the council’s complaints process,” he said.

A call for urgent change

Cllr Hubbard and his colleagues are demanding that Wiltshire Council urgently address the situation by:

•  Providing a full explanation of the process and rules behind media partnership decisions.

• Conducting an independent review of the bias allegations and the methods used to evaluate them.

• Reforming the complaints process to allow businesses and corporate entities a fair hearing.

“This is not just about Wiltshire Publications; this is about the principle that elected officials and institutions must be open, accountable, and respectful of the democratic process,” Cllr Hubbard concluded. “The people of Wiltshire deserve better than this.”

Pictured Cllr Jon Hubbard