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10

Mar

Last Updated: 10/03/2026
Politics
Politics

Local woman lands top job at Ripon City Council

by John Plummer

| 10 Mar, 2026
Comment

0

mixcollage-10-mar-2026-04-37-pm-7501
Sally Taylor

Sally Taylor, who has lived in the Ripon area for 20 years, has been appointed chief officer / clerk at Ripon City Council.

Ms Taylor attended her first full city council meeting last night (March 9) alongside locum clerk Adam Chugg, who will leave his role on April 2.

Mr Chugg arrived last autumn during a period of unprecedented turbulence at the town hall, which saw widespread bickering among councillors and staff departures.

Now Ms Taylor, who was chosen from nine applicants, has become Paula Benson’s permanent successor.

img_5381

Sally Taylor and Adam Chugg at the meeting on March 9.

She worked at plumbing distributor Wolseley’s Ripon office for more than 20 years, most recently as delivery manager.

The former Ripon Grammar School pupil has also worked as an administrator at North Stainley Church of England Primary School.

Ms Taylor, who will study for a Certificate in Local Council Administration, said: 

I was delighted to secure the role of chief officer at Ripon City Council. There are lots of exciting projects coming up with the transfer of the town hall to the council, alongside meeting new people and of course the history and tradition that are all part of being a Riponian.

I spent many happy years working in the private sector for Wolseley who are a large local employer and this opportunity presented a complete change of direction for me where I can really get involved and take on a new challenge. I'm looking forward to getting stuck in, there is lots to learn.

Mark Williamson will start his duties as deputy chief officer on April 13. The city council will then be fully staffed.

The chief officer and deputy chief officer roles were advertised shortly before Christmas at salaries in the region of £57,000 and £42,000.

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