FORMER Swanage town mayor Cllr Bill Trite has been elected Purbeck District Council chairman.

After thanking outgoing chairman Cllr Eric Osmond, Cllr Trite undertook to be a ‘fair and even-handed’ chairman who would ‘work with all councillors to ensure that every view was taken into consideration in the decision-making process.’ His appointment comes as it was confirmed Cllr Peter Wharf – previously an independent – has joined the Conservative group, handing the Tories overall control of the council.

Cllr Gary Suttle, who resumes his position as leader of the council, pledged to continue building on PDC’s progress.

Continued efficiencies will be one of the main focuses.

The district council’s vice-chairman for the coming year has been confirmed as Cllr Gloria Marsh, while Cllr Barry Quinn takes up the role as deputy leader and efficiencies spokesman.

Cllr Nick Cake has been appointed environment spokes-man; Cllr Mike Lovell takes over housing; Cllr Peter Webb becomes economy and infrastructure spokesman and Cllr Ali Patrick PDC social issues spokesman.

Cllr Patrick also takes over at Swanage Town Council as town mayor. A Purbeck District Council spokesman confirmed: “The Conservatives hold 13 seats, the Liberal Democrats 10 and there is one independent.”