A RESHUFFLE at the top table of the BCP Council administration has seen a former Conservative group leader drop out and a raft of changes in responsibilities.

Local authority leader Cllr Drew Mellor has announced a new 'cabinet+' team, which the Tories say will give "added focus to the priorities for the next few years".

The changes see Cllr Bob Lawton, former BCP Council Conservative leader, vacate the position of portfolio holder for housing, while Cllr May Haines will no longer be portfolio holder for community safety. Both councillors are not part of the new cabinet set up.

Cllr Karen Rampton will take on responsibility for council housing services alongside her existing brief on adult social care, with a new title of cabinet member for people and homes.

Portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture, Cllr Mohan Iyengar, will now act as cabinet member for tourism and active health, focusing on public health and active spaces.

Following her work with responsibilities for Covid and education, Cllr Nicola Greene has been given a completely new position - cabinet member for council priorities and delivery.

Announcing the changes, Cllr Mellor said the Conservative administration has achieved "so much" over the past year.

“Now, it is time for the next phase of our ambitious and transformative plans, and it’s vital that we have the right top team and focus to help deliver that," said Cllr Mellor.

“Key to these changes is the absolute determination we have to restore pride in our area, especially through our cleaner, greener, safer work.

"To ensure absolute delivery in that priority area, we are creating a new role solely focussed on council priorities – a cabinet member for council priorities and delivery – whose role will be cross cutting across a number of departments and focussed on these critical tasks."

Two additions to the full cabinet team see Cllr Beverley Dunlop, who was lead member for Festival Coast Live!, join in a new role of cabinet member for culture and vibrant places, and Cllr Bobbie Dove becoming cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, which includes planning and licensing services.

Cllr Mark Anderson, Cllr Mike White and Cllr Mike Greene retain their cabinet member positions for environment and place, children and young people, and sustainability and transport, respectively.

Deputy leader Cllr Philip Broadhead has a slightly new title as cabinet member for development, growth and regeneration, with him leading the council's house building agenda and communications.

The wider 'cabinet+' team has been added to with Cllr Toby Johnson, who switched from the Liberal Democrats to Conservatives in September, joining as lead member for levelling up and skills, and Cllr Laurence Fear taking on the lead member for wellbeing post.

Cllr Mellor said he wanted to thank councillors for their collective efforts, including a special thanks to Cllr Lawton and Cllr Haines, who have been "instrumental in getting us where we are today and I personally thank them both for their support and highly effective delivery in their areas".

He added: “I’m highly confident that with these refined roles and new focus, we have the right team, talent and time to put our Big Plan into action and make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole one of the best places in the country to live, work and invest.”

The administration's 'cabinet+' team features 16 of the 76 elected members from across the conurbation, with all of them part of the Conservative political group.