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Hello Poole!

Why are we having Town Council elections?

Following a Community Governance Review, BCP Council voted in October 2025 to create new Town Councils for Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone.
These councils legally came into existence on 1 April 2026, and residents are now being asked to elect their first councillors.

The aim is to give local communities a stronger voice and more local focus on everyday issues that matter to residents.

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

What will Town Councils be able to do?

Town Councils are the most local level of government. They focus on neighbourhood priorities and community life, including:

  • Supporting high streets and local shopping areas

  • Running community events and festivals

  • Funding Christmas lights and seasonal activities

  • Supporting or managing community facilities, parks and green spaces

  • Providing grants to local groups and organisations

  • Managing allotments (this is a statutory duty)

  • Being consulted on planning applications

Town Councils do not control major services such as highways, transport, waste collection, education or social care. These remain with BCP Council.

Over time, Town Councils can negotiate to take on additional responsibilities if all parties agree.

Has this worked elsewhere?

Yes. Christchurch Town Council operates successfully while still being part of BCP Council. It runs and supports:

  • Events and festivals

  • Community facilities

  • Local grants

  • Public spaces

  • Seasonal decorations and town promotion

It is often cited as an example of how a Town Council can provide strong local leadership and pride while working within the wider BCP structure.

When is the election?

🗳 Thursday 7 May 2026
Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm

The count will take place on Friday 8 May 2026, with results announced during the day.

Who can vote?

You can vote if you:

  • Are 18 or over on polling day

  • Are registered to vote

  • Live in Poole, Bournemouth or Broadstone

  • Are not legally excluded from voting

  • Are a British or Irish citizen, or eligible Commonwealth or qualifying EU citizen

If you are not registered to vote, you must register by Monday 20 April 2026.

Do I need photo ID?

Yes. You must bring an accepted form of photo ID to vote in person (or if voting as a proxy).

Accepted ID includes:

  • Passport

  • Driving licence

  • Blue Badge

  • Older or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass (UK‑funded)

  • PASS card

  • Veterans’ card

  • Voter Authority Certificate

  • eVisa

If you do not have photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.

Where do I vote?

Your polling station will be listed on your poll card.
You can also find it here:

👉 Find your polling station

Please note that some polling venues have changed, so check carefully.

How many councillors will be elected?

  • Poole Town Council: 21 councillors

  • Bournemouth Town Council: 21 councillors

  • Broadstone Town Council: 8 councillors

Wards and boundaries can be viewed here:

How much will Town Councils cost?

Town Councils are funded through a precept shown separately on your Council Tax bill.

For 2026–27 (Band D):

  • Poole: £32.56 per year

  • Bournemouth: £29.47 per year

  • Broadstone: £60.34 per year

Each Town Council sets its own budget and decides how money is spent on local priorities.

Who is standing for election?

Below this FAQ you’ll find:

  • A full list of candidates in each ward

  • Links to available candidate and party information

  • A clear overview of who is standing where

This information has been gathered and presented so voters can compare candidates easily ahead of election day.

If you are standing in the election and would like to add a candidate statement, please complete this form.

Alderney and Wallisdown South Ward

  • John Hammond – Reform UK

  • Lee Lockton – Green Party

  • Barry Rathbone as an independent candidate

  • David Stokes – Labour Party

  • Tony Trent – Liberal Democrats

Bearwood Ward

  • David Brown – Liberal Democrats

  • Simon Cutter – Green Party

  • John Sheldon – Reform UK

Boscombe and Pokesdown Ward

  • Patrick Canavan – Labour Party

  • George Farquhar – Labour Party

  • Duane Farr – Reform UK

  • Gillian Martin – Reform UK

  • Paul Radcliffe – Liberal Democrats

  • Nick Tidiman – Green Party

  • Emily Woodward – Green Party

  • Michelle Young – Liberal Democrats

Bourne Valley and Branksome East Ward

  • James Cook – Green Party

  • Daisy Seymour – Liberal Democrats

  • Rosemarie Stirk – Reform UK

  • Declan Stone – Labour Party

  • Russell Trent – Liberal Democrats

  • Beckee White – Labour Party

  • Stuart Wischhusen – Reform UK

Bournemouth Central, Westbourne and West Cliff Ward

  • Mark Battistini – Liberal Democrats

  • Karen Hay – Local Conservatives

  • Simon Hollosi – Reform UK

  • Michael Labidi – Local Conservatives

  • Dawn Logan – Liberal Democrats

  • Rogar Mann – Green Party

  • Jamie Martin – Labour Party

  • Simon Marritt – Liberal Democrats

  • Dan Miskow – Labour Party

  • Dan Moore – Labour Party

  • Feda Shahin – Green Party

Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs Ward

  • Nicola Elms – Liberal Democrats

  • Martin Holst  – Labour Party

  • John Pearce – Reform UK

  • John Tutton – Green Party

Branksome West and Penn Hill Ward

  • Alan Daniels – Labour Party

    • I was born in Dorchester, grew up in Ferndown and have lived in Poole for the last 30 years.I’ve worked as a lorry driver for over 40 years, taking me all over the country. Now I want to concentrate my efforts closer to home, on helping the community.I’m used to fighting for people, having organised campaigns for better working conditions for my colleagues.If elected, I would be your voice on the new town council — it shouldn’t be another body that tells residents what’s best for them. I would also lobby BCP Council for better road infrastructure as well as improved public transport.

  • Ashley Fraser – On Your Side

  • Marion Le Poidevin – Liberal Democrats

  • Gavin Radley – Animal Welfare Party

  • Richard Rutty – Reform UK

  • Richard Shutt – Labour Party

    • I've lived in Penn Hill for 13 years. During my working life I had spells as a delivery driver and screenprinter but spent 35 years in IT, mainly as a Database Designer and Software Developer.Some of the things I've been doing since retirement include voluntary stints with Cherry Tree Nursery, NHS Vaccinations and Poole Parkrun, as well as running around after my 4 grandchildren. When my children were younger, I was a parent governor and chair of governors at their school.If elected, I would be advocate for improved facilities and opportunities for young people in Poole

  • Phillipa Vincent-Connolly – Reform UK

  • Oliver Walter – Liberal Democrats

Broadstone East Ward

  • Mike Brooke – Liberal Democrats

  • Colin Elkins – Independent putting Broadstone first

  • Richard Farrow – Independent

  • Andy Maxey – Liberal Democrats

  • Tracey Newman – Reform UK

  • John Sheldon – Reform UK

  • Peter Sidaway – Liberal Democrats

  • Kevin Stewart – Reform UK

  • Mark Watson – Reform UK

Broadstone West Ward

  • Simon Durham – Independent

  • David O’Neil – Liberal Democrats

  • Peter Robers – Green Party

  • Paul Slade – Liberal Democrats

  • Jo Tebbs – Independent Putting Broadstone First

  • Sally Walls – Liberal Democrats

  • Christopher Warricker – Reform UK

  • Adrian Witt – Reform UK

  • Cameron Witt – Independent

  • Harry Witt – Reform UK

Canford Heath Ward

  • Jemima Astill – Green Party

  • Rachael Gilder – Liberal Democrats

  • Hazel Moore – Liberal Democrats

  • Kevin Stewart – Reform UK

  • Harry Witt – Reform UK

Creekmoor and Waterloo Ward

  • Lucy Gibbs – Liberal Democrats

  • Donna Jones – Green Party

  • Bev Wright – Labour Party

  • David Youlden – Reform UK

East Cliff and Springbourne Ward

  • Sara Armstrong – Green Party

  • Catherine Bishop – Liberal Democrats

  • Alan Blumenthal – Reform UK

  • Karen Blumenthal – Reform UK

  • Ben O’Keeffe – Green Party

  • Gillian Pardy – Liberal Democrats

  • Ian Prankerd – Labour

Hamworthy East Ward

  • Daniel Bleeze – Reform UK

  • Judith Chapman – Liberal Democrats

  • Yasmin Clewes – Green Party

  • Peter Cooper – Labour Party

    • I’ve been keeping busy as your BCP councillor for Hamworthy – dealing with day-to-day issues like overgrown footpaths and parking, along with larger issues, while supporting residents through my regular surgeries.I am running to represent Hamworthy East, where I’ve lived for over 27 years, for the new Poole Town Council. Although I was against the creation and timing of the new councils, I will represent you and lay good foundations for the future, making sure your voices are heard and that positive developments emerge.

  • Paul Whitlock – Poole People

    • My name is Paul Whitlock I believe that as a local resident and an independant candidate, I can better represent the people of Hamworthy East. By not having to follow the direction of the westminster based parties who have little interest in local matters. Whilst I support the creation of cycle lanes and lower speed limits these should be in appropriate places, and not reduce the free flow of traffic. I also want to ensure the current BCP council will not just offload services they currently provide just to balance the books. Vote for me and vote for independant Poole Town Council.

Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor Ward

  • David Chapman – Liberal Democrats

  • Jim Fagan-King – Labour Party

    • I’m a retired deputy head teacher, and now give my time to volunteer work in the community. I have been involved in the work of Turlin Moor Community Foodstore for nearly 3 years, and see first hand the struggle many people have to meet their day-to-day living costs.I’m a member of the steering group that is working to create a new skatepark on Turlin Moor and I get involved with other local initiatives as a member of St. Michael’s Church. I believe in local issues being dealt with by local people, and if elected, I will represent your interests to the fullest of my ability.

  • Brian Hitchcock – Poole People

  • Kerry Pocock – Greren Party

  • Mark White – Reform UK

Kinson Ward

  • William Brown – Reform UK

  • Jonathan Crewe – Green Party

  • Roger Eede – Green Party

  • Laurence Fear – Reform UK

  • Susan Lennon is standing with no party affiliation listed

  • Down Lovejoy – Labour Party

  • Nicola Rogers –  Local Conservatives

  • Zac Skidmore – Labour Party

  • Marcell Taylor – Liberal Democrats

  • Alan Zaczek – Liberal Democrats

Littledown and Iford Ward

  • Hanna Bland – Green Party

  • Patrick Connolly – Labour Party

  • Jake Garrod – Green Party

  • Muriel Goldet – Liberal Democrats

  • Gill Seymour – Reform UK

  • Victoria Taylor – Liberal Democrats

Longfleet and Sterte Ward

  • Sue Aitkenhead – Labour Party

    • I am standing to represent Longfleet and Sterte, because I’m determined to see the unique historic identity of Poole protected and decisions about Poole made by Poole residents.
      As a BCP councillor for Poole Town, I have been busy acting on residents’ issues and concerns, working on improvements to the way BCP does consultations and opposing bad council decisions, like selling off our civic centre.
      My work in preparations for the new council have given me the experience I need to help create an efficient town council that gives local residents a strong voice and improves our town.

  • Matthew Cheetham – Green Party

  • Malvyn Law –  Reform UK

  • Sal Petito – Poole People

    • Hello, I’m Salvatore “Sal” Petito, founder of Limoncello on Poole High Street. Since moving here in 2025, I’ve proudly become part of the community. I’m passionate about making Poole cleaner, safer, and more welcoming—improving public spaces, roads, and areas like the station underpass, while protecting Holes Bay. I’ve brought people together through Italian markets and will continue creating vibrant local events. I’m approachable, driven, and committed to listening and delivering real improvements. Vote for a better Poole.

  • Martin Rodger – Liberal Democrats

Merley Ward

  • Marcus Andrews – Liberal Democrats

  • Vivenne Arkell – Labour Party

  • Pater Kazmerczak – Independent

  • Gordon Reeves – Reform UK

Muscliff and Moordown Ward

  • Sarah Anderson – Reform UK

  • Steve Butcher – Reform UK

  • Derek Heritage – Labour Party

  • Nathan McNeil – Liberal Democrats

  • Derek Scudder – Liberal Democrats

  • Toby Slade – Independent

Newtown Ward

  • Jon Ayres – Reform UK

  • Michael Day – Reform UK

  • Helen Donaldson – Labour Party

  • Millie Earl – Liberal Democrats

  • William Kimmet – UKIP

  • Sandra Mackrow – Liberal Democrats

  • Jake Rafferty – Green Party

Northbourne, Redhill, Wallisdown North and Winton West

  • Olivia Brown – Liberal Democrats

  • Charlie Cushway – Labour Party

  • David D’Orton-Gibson – Local Conservatives

  • Julia Drage – Labour Party

  • Liz Elwick – Green Party

  • Mark Hsrper – Reform UK

  • Rich Herrett – Liberal Democrats

  • Chris Moody – Reform UK

  • Mike Squires – Green Party

Oakdale and South-East Creekmoor

  • Steven Cowan – Reform UK

  • Amber Davis-Williams – Liberal Democrats

  • Josh Hartley – Labour Party

  • Steve Hayes – Reform UK

  • Amanda Jellicoe – Liberal Democrats

  • Rob Payne – Independent

    • I’m standing as an independent local candidate because Poole is my home and I care deeply about its future. I grew up here, now live in Oakdale with my family, and work locally as a secondary school teacher. I am also the founder of PooleNow. I want Poole to be a place people feel proud of, where communities are safe, welcoming, and full of opportunity. I believe the Town Council should have a minimal financial impact on residents, while using its resources efficiently and responsibly to make visible improvements, build trust, and show local government can work for people.
      Find out more on my Instagram and Facebook

  • Felicity Rice – Poole People

    • I am a mum of two children that are at an Oakdale school. My background is in health, having worked as a GP for the NHS previously, and I currently bring that experience to my role as a BCP councillor. I am standing to be a town councillor because I believe that changes in our local neighbourhoods can make a big difference:- Local festivals and street-by-street events such as street parties or play streets- Improvements to play parks, public spaces and road safety around schools- Apply for additional funding for local projects- Coordinate community schemes such as rooftop solar panels

  • Ben Skipp – Green Party

Old Town and Baiter Ward

  • Christoper Allenby – Poole People

    • Chris Allenby is a dedicated local campaigner with longstanding family ties to Poole, standing as a Poole People candidate for Old Town & Baiter Ward. As a co-founder of Poole People and the lead of Poole Quays Forum, he has consistently advocated for transparency, local engagement, and protection of Poole’s heritage. Chris prioritises respectful development, improvements to the High Street and Quay, enhanced tourism, cleaner streets, and better public spaces, aiming to provide strong, independent representation for the town

  • Simon Lane – Independent

  • Tracey Newman – Reform UK

  • Ben Pantling – Green Party

  • Raymond Sparrow – Liberal Democrats

  • James Whiting – Labour Party

    • live in Baiter and see both the pride residents have in the Old Town’s character and the everyday issues that affect the surrounding neighbourhoods.Those small, visible concerns shape how people feel about their community. With the town council being established this year, the culture and standards set at the beginning will matter for years to come. I want to help ensure it starts responsibly, where the focus lies on practical delivery, clear communication, and collaboration.What I can bring is commitment, preparation, a strong sense of responsibility and a love for Poole.

Parkstone, Lilliput and Sandbanks

  • Xena Dion – Reform UK

  • Ana Fraser – Standing Up For You

  • Crispin Goodall – Liberal Democrats

  • Ralph Lynch – Labour Party

    • I’m originally from Berkshire, and moved to Poole for work after leaving university.I have since grown to love this town, and would like to give back by standing for Town Council to represent the community I have come to call home.If elected, I will ensure that your views are heard. I am well aware that BCP Council currently doesn’t always take residents’ views into account, and I will ensure that the Town Council does listen.As a councillor, I will also work to keep Poole’s unique identity alive, instead of allowing Poole to become a suburb of Bournemouth.

  • Roger Mann –  Green Party

  • Phillip Murray- Independent

  • Emily Pankhurst – Liberal Democrats

  • Carolyn Reece – Green Party

  • Jake Ruggier – Labour Party

    • I’m standing to represent the area I live and grew up in.​I have a huge amount of pride in our town, which has driven me to get involved in local campaigning, outside my day job in simulation software.I campaigned against the sale of Poole Civic Centre, organising protests outside BCP Council and calling out the council administration in the Echo for being dishonest about the costs of keeping it.Many parts of the town have been visibly neglected in recent years. If elected, I’d want to ensure that all of our public spaces get the attention they deserve.

  • Susan Stockwell – Poole People

Southbourne and Tuckton Ward

  • Simon Adorian – Labour Party

  • Amy Bailey – Green Party

  • Jim Bealey – Reform UK

  • Ceri Edwards-Hawthorne – Green Party

  • Jeff Hanna – Liberal Democrats

  • Bernadette Nanovo – Liberal Democrats

Strouden and Queen’s Park Ward

  • Mark Anderson – Reform UK

  • Richard Blackwell-Whitehead – Liberal Democrats

  • Lorraine Crouch – Liberal Democrats

  • Elaine Findlay – Green Party

  • Alasdair Keddie – Green Party

  • Eyyup Kilic – Labour Party

  • Louise Norman – Labour Party

  • Roberto Rocca – Reform UK

Winton East, Charminster West and Talbot Woods

  • Simon Bull – Green Party

  • Julia Chappetti – Liberal Democrats

  • Michael Crachnell – Labour Party

  • Kieron Franklin – Reform UK

  • Matthew Gillett – Liberal Democrats

  • Lisa Jepson – Labour Party

  • Sash Jolliffe Yasawi – Animal Welfare Party

  • Chris Rigby -.Green Party

  • Daniel Wilson – Local Conservatives

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