IT’S musical chairs again at Bournemouth council after another cabinet member decided to step down.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop decided she could no longer continue spearheading leisure and tourism services because of her increasing work commitments outside of the council.

Former mayor Cllr Anne Filer has replaced her and, in doing so, becomes the third person to hold that job since the Conservative administration came to power in May 2007.

Ironically, the Tories’ first leisure and tourism portfolio holder was Cllr Filer’s husband, Cllr Michael Filer, who resigned to support his wife during her mayoral year.

The past two and a half years has seen various other changes on the cabinet.

Cllr Peter Charon lost his place after challenging for the deputy leadership and Cllr Jane Montrose had the briefest of stints as a portfolio holder.

Cllr Filer, who it’s understood was fiercely loyal to leader Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin during his computer porn shame, said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to serve the town I love by serving on the council’s cabinet.

“Leisure and tourism are key to the quality of life in Bournemouth and to the local economy.

“I look forward to joining a successful cabinet team which has the vision and determination to take the town forward.”

Cllr Dunlop said deciding to step down was the most difficult decision she had had to make as a councillor.

“However, I won’t be able to sustain the time commitment that is demanded of a cabinet member as my work commitments are set to expand significantly this year,” she said.