After his election at an extraordinary council meeting held on 21 February, Councillor Broadhead said: “I’m honoured to accept this position as the third leader of BCP Council.

“My job now is to bring some stability, professionalism, and experience as we move forward.

“I am fully aware that we are not majority administration and it’s vital that we work cross party so we can continue our push to make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole one of the best places in the country to live, work, and visit.”

Cllr Broadhead (Conservative) represents Talbot and Branksome Woods. Previously deputy leader, he had assumed interim leadership following the sudden resignation of Drew Mellor on 13 February.

The elections to BCP Council will be held on 4 May where all seats in 33 BCP Council wards plus five parish/town/village councils will be up for elections. The last full council elections were held in May 2019.