Leader of BCP Council Vikki Slade resigns following her election as MP

Since becoming a Member of Parliament, Vikki Slade, has decided to step down as leader of BCP Council but will remain as the councillor for the Broadstone Ward.  

Vikki Slade said: “I am delighted and humbled to have been elected as Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole.  

“My main priority now is to focus on an orderly transition from being leader of BCP Council to ensure the best for residents and the council. Having spent the last few days at Westminster and consulted with cross-party cabinet colleagues, I have decided to resign as leader ahead of the next council meeting in July, after which I will remain as the councillor for the Broadstone Ward. 

“In the short term, if parliamentary or constituency business does need my attention, then we have a good strong deputy leader in Cllr Millie Earl, who has the confidence of the cabinet and the authority, under the council’s constitution, to take any decisions that are required in my absence.

“Leadership of the council is a team effort and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my cabinet colleagues and reassure residents that council business will continue as usual during this period.”

Graham Farrant, BCP Council chief executive, said:  “A measured transition for the leader will help us to refine the planning and preparation that we had already undertaken for this scenario.  

“The process for electing a new leader involves a proposal and vote through the council meeting and we expect this to happen at the July council meeting.  In the meantime, services will continue to be delivered and decisions will continue to be taken as normal.”