THE May 2019 local elections saw a rejection of Conservative governance and policies. The Conservatives, who had control of all three of the prior local councils, failed to achieve a majority in the new BCP Council.

Poole People councillors and other independents and parties (including former Conservatives who were opposed to the merger) then formed the Unity Alliance (UA) to lead the council.

The UA has been remarkably successful in its first year. Its councillors represent a wide spectrum of views and possess diverse skills and experience. The UA cabinet has been full of energy, and is continuing to develop policies to deal with our housing shortage, kickstart regeneration, and move towards sustainability while consolidating and transforming the council structure, protecting vulnerable adults and children, and addressing the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision by Cllr Mellor, the leader of the Conservative group, to take advantage of the death of a UA councillor by tabling a vote of no confidence in the leader of the council, is irresponsible and underhand. It is a sign of desperation as he can see that the new policies and projects that the UA has been working on over the past year are beginning to bear fruit. He feels the need to make a play before the public gets to see these benefits.

The public spoke last May and the Conservatives should have the good grace to let the UA cabinet and council staff get on with the job. It would be extremely disruptive and unhelpful to change the administration now.

STEVE BARON, L-J EVANS, ANDY HADLEY, MARK HOWELL AND PETE MILES

Poole People councillors