Who we are
Your council
The town council is the first tier of local government for Wem: it manages local assets, responds to planning consultations, and raises a precept through council tax to spend on the town.
Your councillors
Wem's town councillors, as listed on the council's own website and Shropshire Council's public register:
Robert Barker
Town Mayor (2026–27)
Lucy Gilchrist
Deputy Mayor (2026–27)
Peter Broomhall
Town councillor
Barbara Cotterell
Town councillor
Rachel Gascoigne
Town councillor
Duncan Hill
Town councillor
Mark Hoffmann
Town councillor
Matt Hudson
Town councillor
Paul Johnson
Town councillor
George Nash
Town councillor
Tommy O'Flaherty
Town councillor
David Parry
Town councillor
Geoff Soul
Town councillor
Edward Towers
Town councillor
The Mayor and committee places are confirmed at the council's annual meeting each May — on the live site each councillor's card carries their current committee roles. Every councillor's register of interests is public via Shropshire Council.
The clerk
Penny O’Hagan — Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer. The clerk is the council's paid officer: she prepares agendas, records minutes, manages the council's money and is the proper first point of contact for residents.
- Email: info@wem.gov.uk
- Phone: 01939 232733
What the council does
- Meets monthly and considers planning applications affecting the town
- Runs council committees including Finance & Corporate Governance and Planning & Transport
- Raises and spends the town precept (2026/27 — figure to be confirmed by the clerk) — see Finance & transparency
- Supports local amenities and the town's community life
Wem's principal (unitary) authority is Shropshire Council, which runs roads, bins, planning decisions, schools and social care. You can find Shropshire's elected members in the Shropshire Council members directory.