The motion was proposed by Cllr Drew Mellor and seconded by Cllr Philip Broadhead from the opposition Conservative group.

With 37 votes for the motion and 37 against, the casting vote was made by the chairman of BCP Council Cllr David Flagg.

Since the death of Cllr Colin Bungey in April, the ruling Unity Alliance – which is comprised of Liberal Democrats, Christchurch Independents, Poole People, Labour and other independents – has been in the minority with 35 councillors. The Conservatives have 36 councillors.