Ex-council leader steps down as councillor

Philip Broadhead is stepping down as councillor and leader of the Conservative group

A former council leader says he is stepping down as councillor as his family relocates to the Middle East.

Conservative Philip Broadhead was leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council from February to May 2023.

He said he would step down as the council's Conservative group leader and ward councillor for Talbot and Branksome Woods before the end of July.

Mr Broadhead said his family was moving to the United Arab Emirates where his wife, who is a doctor, secured a job at a hospital.

Mr Broadhead, who also served as deputy leader of the council, said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that my family and I will be leaving the area we love so much next month, following an opportunity which is too good to pass by for our family.

"It has been a tremendous honour to serve as a councillor over the last 10 years for the area which I love."