Borough of Poole council appoints new leader

Councillor Atkinson said the appointment was "a tremendous honour"

A new leader has been appointed to head Borough of Poole Council after the death of the long-serving previous incumbant.

Councillor Brian Leverett, 69, died in September after collapsing at the town's civic centre.

At a full council meeting on Tuesday members appointed Elaine Atkinson.

Ms Atkinson, who was elected to the authority in 2005, called the appointment a "tremendous honour" and paid tribute to her predecessor.

She said she was keen to build on the council's achievements under Mr Leverett' s leadership.

"We were all terribly shocked and saddened by Brian's death and his passing was a huge loss to Poole," she added.

Councillor Mike White was elected as the Conservative-run council's deputy leader.

A by-election for the Poole Town Ward, which Mr Leverett held, will take place on 2 December.