BCP Council's fifth leader in five years elected

Millie Earl, first elected as a councillor in 2019, has been elected as BCP Council’s new leader in a vote with fellow councillors. 

The Liberal Democrat, 33, vowed to put people and communities, place and environment "at the heart of what we do".

She also announced changes to the cabinet, including Mike Cox as her deputy (while retaining the finances portfolio).

Rich Herrett, ward councillor for Wallisdown and Winton West, has been appointed as cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations and Canford Heath ward councillor Sandra Moore as cabinet member for communities and partnerships.

Ms Earl added: "The enormity of this role is not lost on me: there is opportunity ahead for this council but also challenges.

"I am so proud to be a member of the Three Towns Alliances that recognises the individuality and identity of each of our towns and ensures we recognise the distinctiveness of our communities.

"And we have some key projects in the pipelines to empower our communities and deliver that positive change: the ward improvement fund, the town centre fund, the residents' card, a governance review to put decision making back into the hands of local communities so that they can thrive."

Former leader Vikki Slade said: “I can think of no better candidate to take BCP forward than Millie, who I will continue to support from the backbenches and the green benches.” 

Cabinet member for culture Andy Martin added: “I've worked with her on cabinet for 15 months and got to know her well. We have our political differences, but there is one thing we are united on: libraries. 

“Millie is absolutely passionate about improving our communities. She believes in fairness and justice, wants to make things better and make a difference. She is in this for the right reasons.” 

Opposition leader Phil Broadhead said: “While I’m sure she’s relishing the opportunity to get stuck in, it’s our job to point out the scale of some of the challenges. 

“I’d urge her to change direction to come off the stances taken by the former leader.” 

He said some examples are the planning system, regeneration, rough sleeping, anti-social behaviour and keeping PSPO powers to stop overnight camping and littering. 

“We should work to make BCP better, not slide into decline,” the Conservative former council leader added.  

Cllr Earl, who is the Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Newtown and Heatherlands in Poole, is the founder of the Branksome and Rossmore Community Fridge and leads the Win on Waste in Ashley Road. 

She was promoted to deputy council leader by Cllr Slade as part of the new Three Towns Alliance in May 2023 and is also the cabinet member for economic development, road safety and the seafront. 

Former council leader Vikki Slade could have stayed on as leader of BCP Council while serving as an MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, according to the constitution. 

But on July 9, she announced her resignation – formally handing in her notice on July 14.  

Speaking to the Echo after her election victory on July 4, she hinted at staying on as leader during the summer to allow for a slower passing of power. 

Cllr Earl is now BCP Council’s fifth leader in its short history: Cllr Slade was the very first leader when it was formed in April 2019. 

Then, following a no confidence defeat, Cllr Slade was forced out and replaced by the Conservatives by Drew Mellor. 

Mr Mellor led a controversial administration to say the least, with the proposed sale of the beach huts, the proposed purchase of Barclays House and oversaw Bayside Restaurant – which lost £175k in a month – are among some of the controversies. 

He stood down in February 2023 and was replaced by his deputy, Cllr Phil Broadhead. 

May 2023’s local elections saw the Conservatives lose their majority and the Liberal Democrats making strong gains.  

Coupled with the help of Poole People, Bournemouth independents and Christchurch Independents, Vikki Slade was re-appointed as BCP’s leader.