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.
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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:
👉 Town Council boundary map:
https://maps.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/map/Aurora.svc/run?script=%5CAurora%5CBCP_CGR_Parish_Governance_Arrangements.AuroraScript%24
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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