A THIRD vote of no confidence in the leader of BCP Council in more than three years of the local authority’s existence is set to take place tonight.

Christchurch Independents councillor Lesley Dedman is due to table the motion which says the Conservative leadership has brought the council into “local and national disrepute”.

Councillor Dedman’s motion adds that “appalling scenes” at a full council meeting on Tuesday, April 26, “would have shamed and embarrassed any council”.

She also says the current leadership had “lost the trust of residents”.

Bournemouth Echo: Councillor Lesley DedmanCouncillor Lesley Dedman

BCP Council leader, Cllr Drew Mellor, previously table two votes of no confidence in Liberal Democrat councillor Vikki Slade when she was the leader.

The first of these, tabled in June 2020, was unsuccessful but the second attempt three months later saw Councillor Slade ousted, with Cllr Mellor taking over from the start of October.

Responding to the motion from the Christchurch Independents, Cllr Mellor said his administration’s proof of success was “clear”.

Bournemouth Echo: Councillor Drew MellorCouncillor Drew Mellor (Image: BCP Council)

He said he “relished” the opportunity to “reaffirm all the work we’re doing” by defeating tonight’s motion.

The Daily Echo will be providing live updates from the meeting at Bournemouth Town Hall, which is due to begin at 6pm with the resumption of the adjourned April 26 session.

A blog can be followed online at bournemouthecho.co.uk.