THE Conservative leader of Poole council has been deposed within days of leading her party to regain control of the authority.

Cllr Elaine Atkinson, who held her Penn Hill ward on the council in last Thursday’s poll, was overturned as the Tories’ choice to lead the council.

It is understood the Conservatives have picked Oakdale councillor Janet Walton in her place.

In a statement, Cllr Atkinson said: "I am proud to have led Poole to increased customer satisfaction with our services and a local, regional and national reputation for efficiency and business support as a “can do”,  “Open for Business” council. 

"The election landslide in favour of the Conservatives is a fantastic achievement whilst fighting for better financial support from national government, understanding Poole’s significant challenges and working in partnership with other authorities and agencies to keep Poole and Dorset in the eye of government for additional funding based on jobs and growth and the growing demands on all sectors around our ageing population. This has been a huge strategic challenge.

"The four years leading the council in no overall control and at times a minority administration has proved challenging but I feel we have worked successfully seeking consensus with others in order to keep Poole moving forwards.

"I would like to take this opportunity to  thank the officers at Borough of Poole for their unstinting support and hard work through the past four years of austerity, funding reduction and reorganisation, and for all partners in supporting Poole’s bids and direction of travel. They’ve all been tremendous to work with.

"I am however saddened that this was not enough for the Poole Conservative Group and my efforts were seen as not Poole centric enough.

"I will miss my role enormously as it has enabled me to use and develop my knowledge, skills and strategic thinking. I would like to wish Cllr. Janet Walton all the very best and know she and her chosen team will continue to tackle the challenges facing the council and work  in the best interests of Poole. Over the next two weeks I will handover the leadership to Cllr Janet Walton so that she is able to be in the best position to move Poole forward for the future and I will then retire with dignity to the back benches

"I remain passionate about Poole, its people and future and will continue to be led by this passion in my future endeavours. This is the end of a chapter – not the book for me. I’ll take a well earned rest and take better care of myself.

"I’d like to thank those residents, businesses, partners and staff at Borough of Poole for their kind comments and best wishes and look forward to working with you in the future."