Tim Page was removed from his role during Stratton St Margaret Parish Council’s annual meeting, in the meeting describing the outcome as “the death of democracy”.
Councillors elected Conservative member Cllr Oladapo Ibitoye as the new chairman, with Green Party leader Tom Butcher appointed vice chair.
Mr Page had been one of the most prominent figures in Stratton parish politics for several years and was re-elected as chairman in May 2024.
His removal marks the end of a leadership period that had become increasingly politically contentious within the council.
The change in leadership followed an evenly split chamber between Labour and Conservatives, with Green councillors holding the balance of power during the vote.
Speaking after his appointment, Tom Butcher said he was pleased to have been elected vice chair and believed there was now an opportunity to move the parish forward in a more collaborative way.
He said priorities under the new leadership would include improvements to Merton Fields, protecting green spaces across the parish and increasing engagement with residents.
The council serves more than 21,000 residents across Upper Stratton, Lower Stratton and Kingsdown, making it one of the largest parish areas in Swindon.
Although parish councils operate at the lowest tier of local government, they oversee community assets, events, grants and recreation spaces, and represent residents on planning matters.
It remains unclear exactly why support for Mr Page fell away during the meeting itself.
The new leadership now faces pressure to demonstrate that its focus on collaboration and delivery leads to visible results for residents.
