POOLE’S council leader has given a vote of confidence to beleaguered cabinet colleague Cllr Xena Dion.

Leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson tinkered with her cabinet’s responsibilities but announced no major changes at last night’s full meeting of Borough of Poole, keeping her six member top table intact.

She has left Cllr Dion responsible for transportation but put Cllr Mike White in charge of “supporting strategic transport”.

Cllr Dion hit the headlines when she revealed at a previous meeting of Borough of Poole that the troubled Twin Sails bridge had nearly 100 faults and said: “If I had bought this bridge I think I would have taken it back by now.”

While her comment received widespread support from residents, her position in charge of transportation was questioned and Cllr Mark Howell, leader of Poole People said she should step aside.

“We discussed the position that Xena found herself in,” said Cllr Atkinson.

“She’s very sorry for making the quip. Often we make off the cuff remarks we think are amusing and they are not.

“She’s shown real passion for Poole’s economy, increasing its prosperity and bringing our unique maritime history to the fore.

“However we do recognise that transportation is a huge area for the borough and therefore Mike White who has responsibility for regeneration and investment will have a supporting role around strategic transport issues.”

The six cabinet members will have new titles and other changes include Cllr Ian Potter replacing “wise elder” Cllr Ron Parker as chairman of the Transportation Advisory Group, and appointing Cllr Karen Rampton vice-chairman of health and social planning and equalities champion.

“I am trying to bring in some succession planning. I don’t want to lose some of our younger members,” said Cllr Atkinson, who did not rule out future cabinet changes.

u>The revised responsibilities

  • n Leader of the council – Cllr Elaine Atkinson, pictured right
  • Deputy leader and regeneration and inward investment – Cllr Mike White
  • Health and wellbeing – Cllr Peter Adams
  • Public engagement and participation – Cllr Judy Butt
  • Prosperous and sustainable Poole – Cllr Xena Dion
  • Efficiency improvement and resources – Cllr Neil Sorton
  • Children and families – Cllr Janet Walton.