A NEW leader of BCP Council has been elected following an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday night, February 21.

Councillor Phil Broadhead, previously deputy leader of the council, had assumed interim leadership following the resignation of previous leader Drew Mellor on February 13. 

Cllr Broadhead, council leader, said: “I’m honoured to accept this position as the third leader of BCP Council.

“My job now is to bring some stability, professionalism, and experience as we move forward.

“I am fully aware that we are not majority administration and it’s vital that we work cross party so we can continue our push to make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole one of the best places in the country to live, work, and visit.”

Read more: 'Ducking out of his responsibilty': Council leader's resignation slammed

As reported, Cllr Mellor resigned as leader of the council with immediate effect.

Cllr Drew Mellor, who had been in the role since October 2020, hit out at “civil servant and Treasury orthodoxy”.

IN FULL: Statement from Drew Mellor on decision to resign as BCP Council leader

The Talbot and Branksome Woods ward member said he was not prepared to deliver a financial strategy based on “maximum council tax and cuts to services”.

Cllr Mellor also confirmed he had already taken the decision not to stand for election in May.