Warminster: New mayor and deputy mayor are announced

Councillor Stacie Allensby was unanimously elected as chairman of the council and town mayor for 2024-25 at the full council meeting on Monday, May 13.

She will take over the role from the retiring mayor, councillor Phil Keeble, who wished her good luck and referred to his year in office as a ‘privilege.’

Mr Keeble said: “I would like to thank councillors for allowing me the privilege of my year in office.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my year, visiting many organisations and charities and hopefully helping them to raise awareness and funds.”

Retiring Mayor Phil Keeble (Image: Warminster Town Council)

Some of his highlights include overseeing solar panels installed on council buildings to reduce energy bills, planning four annual street markets in partnership with the Warminster Business Network and allocating £15,000 for young people to enjoy free activities over the summer.

The newly elected mayor, Ms Allensby, has lived in Warminster for most of her life and joined the town council three years ago.

She is married with two children, was recently appointed as a youth champion alongside councillor Jack Jones, and she says she is looking forward to engaging with the younger population. 

Ms Allensby said: “I thank my fellow councillors for their nomination and belief.

"I wish to thank the former mayor, councillor Phil Keeble, for his support and guidance. I would like to thank the late councillors Fryer and Syme for their support. I will do my best for and by the people of Warminster.”

The mayor’s charities for 2024-25 will be the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Westbury and Warminster Youth Club.

Councillor Andrew Cooper, who has lived in Warminster for 10 years since retiring from the military, was nominated as vice chairman of the council and deputy town mayor.