COUNCILLOR Gary Suttle has been reappointed leader of Purbeck District Council for another term.

Cllr Suttle was voted into office at the authority's annual meeting, following a dramatic local election night earlier in the month.

His deputy, Cllr Barry Quinn, will also take over responsibility as the council's efficiency spokesman.

Meanwhile, Cllr Bill Trite has been reappointed district council chairman for the third consecutive year.

Cllr Trite, who represents the Swanage North ward, said: "It is a privilege to have been reelected to this position. I shall endeavour to continue with the inclusive and fair approach which I've tried to apply to the conduct of our business over the last couple of years."

The district council vice-chairman position will be taken up by Cllr Wendy Meaden, one of the newly-elected district councillors for Lytchett Matravers.

During the annual meeting, at Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham, spokespersons were appointed with special areas of responsibility and, for the first time, each also had a deputy.

Cllr Peter Webb will be responsible for the environment, with Cllr Graham Brown acting as his deputy.

The housing and development portfolio will be headed-up by Cllr Mike Lovell for the following political term, with Cllr Hilary Goodinge installed as deputy.

Social Issues spokesman will be Cllr Bill Pipe, with Cllr Timothy Morris acting as deputy.

The district council's economy and infrastructure spokesperson will be Cllr Cherry Brooks, with Cllr Caroline Finch serving as deputy.

The district council in now made up of 20 Conservatives, four Liberal Democrats and one Independent councillor.