Council leader resigns after becoming MP

Vikki Slade was elected to be MP of Mid Dorset and North Poole on Friday

A council leader has resigned after being elected as a Member of Parliament.

Vikki Slade has confirmed she will be standing down as leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council).

Mrs Slade won the Mid Dorset and North Poole seat for the Liberal Democrats at the general election on Friday.

Her deputy, Councillor Millie Earl, will now take over as leader until the next full council meeting.

In a statement, Mrs Slade said she would continue to be councillor for the Broadstone ward.

She explained: "My main priority now is to focus on an orderly transition from being leader to ensure the best for residents and the council.

“In the short term, if parliamentary or constituency business does need my attention, then we have a good strong deputy leader in Councillor Millie Earl.

“Leadership of the council is a team effort and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my cabinet colleagues and reassure residents that council business will continue as usual during this period.”

Chief executive for BCP Council, Graham Farrant, added: “A measured transition for the leader will help us to refine the planning and preparation that we had already undertaken for this scenario."

Electing a new leader involves a proposal and vote through a full council meeting, which is expected to take place on 23 July.

Mr Farrant continued: "In the meantime, services will continue to be delivered and decisions will continue to be taken as normal.”