THE leader of Wiltshire Lib Dem’s has called for Wiltshire Council chief Jane Scott to resign after it was announced that she is set to join the House of Lords as a life peer.

Coun Jon Hubbard, who also represents Melksham South, believes she will not have enough time to fully dedicate herself to the job she was elected into in 2009.

Coun Hubbard said: “I am delighted for Jane on a personal level as I know that this appointment fulfils one of Jane’s ambitions and I am sure that she will be a real asset to her Party’s team in the House of Lords, but that is a major role in itself and I cannot comprehend how she feels it is possible to do that job properly and still continue in the demanding role of leader of Wiltshire Council.

“The main justification for the bloated allowances paid to the political leadership of the council has been how big the jobs are and how much time is needed to fulfil them. How will Jane be able to deliver for Wiltshire and at the same time undertake her new £300 a day role in London?

“Whether you agree with her politics or not, few could reasonably disagree that Jane Scott has worked hard for our county over the past 15 years, it would be a shame if she decided to end her career in Wiltshire by becoming known as Two Jobs Jane.”

In a list of nominations issued by the Government last Thursday, Cllr Scott OBE, is one of 26 nominated to join the Lords by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Her citation for nomination reads: "Councillor Jane Scott OBE: Leader of Wiltshire Council unitary authority since June 2009 and, before that, of its predecessor, the former Wiltshire County Council, between 2003 and 2009.

“Currently sits of the LGA’s Children and Young People’s Board, and is the County Council’s Network Spokesman for Children and Young People."

After the news was announced last week Coun Scott issued a statement which said: "I am pleased to confirm that I have been appointed as a life peer in the House of Lords. I see this as a great honour for Wiltshire and I am very much looking forward to taking up this position.

“The wealth of experience that I have gained in local government and the public sector; particularly as the leader of both Wiltshire County Council and Wiltshire Council will assist me in this role and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that this peerage will bring.

“I have no plans to stand down as leader of Wiltshire Council and will be continuing to work with my cabinet members and senior management team to deliver a number of important projects that will improve both the services and facilities that we provide to the people of Wiltshire.”

The next Wiltshire Council elections will be held in 2017.

Coun Scott has declined requests from the Gazette for an interview about the peerage and how she will combine it with her role as leader.