Ms Gidley most recently served as chair of the RPS English pharmacy board for four years, until stepping down last month. She is a locum pharmacist and previously served as Liberal Democrat MP for Romsey, Hampshire, from 2000-10.

Commenting on her appointment this afternoon, Ms Gidley said her presidency will be characterised by “three Cs”.

“First, a more collegiate approach: seeking ways for [the RPS Assembly] to interact more frequently than the three times each year that we meet. Second, by challenge: it is our duty to challenge, and I hope we do it politely and constructively. Third, by communication: everybody here today knows how much we do but our members don’t always.”

In her election statement ahead of the ballot, Ms Gidley said her priorities will be to drive greater engagement with members, look again at Royal College status for the RPS and promote the role of pharmacists in all settings.

Ms Gildey takes over from Ash Soni, who announced last week would not be seeking re-election to the role. She thanked him for his “dedication and achievements”.

In January, Ms Gidley handed a briefing document – created by C+D – to England’s chief pharmaceutical officer Keith Ridge, to persuade him of the growing problem of stress among community pharmacists.