The leader of one of the Poole-focused parties on BCP Council has said the election results present a “great opportunity for good things to happen”.

Poole People held their own in an election in which it admitted it was unsure how things would play out with a new group on the ballot for the first time.

While there was a seat lost in Poole Town ward, there was a gain in Hamworthy meaning overall the party heads into the second term of BCP Council with five elected representatives with no one side securing an overall majority.

Cllr Mark Howell, leader of Poole People, told the Daily Echo: “The sands have shifted in BCP Council politics.

“There is a great opportunity for good things to happen across the area.

“We have got to make sure that Poole gets its fair share of investment and attention.”

The former deputy leader of the council added: “With Poole Engage we didn’t have a clue what was going to happen really.

Bournemouth Echo: Poole People's Brian Hitchcock, left, was elected to represent HamworthyPoole People's Brian Hitchcock, left, was elected to represent Hamworthy (Image: Richard Crease)

“We were disappointed to lose one in Poole Town but we were not necessarily expecting to win one in Hamworthy, so I think we are about where we expected to be to be honest.”

Full list of Poole People councillors following election results

Brian Hitchcock - Hamworthy

Felicity Rice – Oakdale

Peter Miles – Oakdale

Andy Hadley – Poole Town

Mark Howell – Poole Town