Image © Copyright Keith Edkins and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
Bournemouth Council has confirmed that its new leader will be Cllr John Beesley.
Cllr Beesley said: “It is a great privilege to have been appointed Leader of Bournemouth Council.”
He added: “I believe that it is important to residents that we continue to ensure the level of services provided by the council is maintained and to improve them where possible. We will strive to make further efficiencies and continue to deliver true value for money for council taxpayers. This will enable the council to invest more in the services that residents have told us are important to them.”
Cllr Beesley, who had been deputy leader, has been acting head of the council since the resignation of former leader Peter Charon, following a vote of no confidence last month.
He was appointed head of Bournemouth’s Conservatives last week, having stood unopposed.
Leader of Bournemouth‘s Labour Councillors, Ben Grower, said: “It’ll be a different style of leadership to that of Peter Charon. Both are very capable leaders, but Beesley will perhaps be less abrupt.”
He added: “I don’t think there’ll be much change in policy in the next three years leading up to the election. I think the Conservatives will continue with their current policy, which is to spend as little as possible, due to the constraints put on them by their national party.”
Cllr Beesley will announce his deputy leader and cabinet members at a full council meeting on February 28.
