Dorset, Political | Posted on May 19th, 2026 | return to news

Changes to Dorset Council cabinet

There have been one or two changes to Dorset Council’s Cabinet, which the authority says will add clarity to roles.

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There have been one or two changes to Dorset Council’s Cabinet, which the authority says will add clarity to roles.

Dorset Council has made changes to the roles of members of its Cabinet.

It will still have 10 members, but the aim is to make it clear who leads on what.

The biggest change is a new role for Cllr Matt Bell: Cabinet member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities.

This brings together work that helps people stay well and safe. It includes public health and prevention, community support, emergency planning, and services such as environmental health, trading standards and licensing. Leisure services will also sit within Cllr Bell’s portfolio.

Cllr Ryan Hope will be stepping down from Cabinet after two years, which was the timeframe he set out when he took on the role. He will continue to serve residents as a Dorset councillor and through his wider community responsibilities.

Cllr Nick Ireland will continue as leader of the Council and Cabinet member for Climate, Performance, Communications and Safeguarding.

Other Cabinet roles are:

Deputy Leader Cllr Richard Biggs: Regeneration, Economic Growth and Strategic Assets
Cllr Simon Clifford: Resources and Finance
Cllr Ben Wilson: Transformation, Customer and Workforce
Cllr Clare Sutton: Children, Families and Education
Cllr Steve Robinson: Adult Social Care and Health
Cllr Gill Taylor: Housing and Homelessness
Cllr Jon Andrews: Place Services (including Highways, Waste and Transport)
Cllr Shane Bartlett: Planning.

Cllr Nick Ireland said: “This refresh gives clearer leads where we need them most. It helps us prevent problems earlier, work better with partners, and makes it easier for residents to know who to contact.”
Cllr Matt Bell added: “I’m pleased to join Cabinet and take on the Public Health, Prevention and Communities portfolio. My priority is helping people in Dorset stay well, reducing health inequalities, and supporting communities to get help earlier.

“I’ll work with health partners and community groups to strengthen prevention, including leisure services that support physical and mental wellbeing. I also want to back practical local action that protects nature and helps communities cope with climate impacts.”

Dorset Council elections last took place in 2024, with the next whole-council election due in May 2029.
At the same meeting, councillors also re-appointed the chairperson of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones, and the vice-chairperson, Cllr Les Fry, for the coming year.