A SENIOR Dorset councillor is stepping down from his cabinet role for personal reasons.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, has announced he will step down from the role after July’s meetings, but will remain as the member for Sherborne East.

The place services portfolio covers areas residents rely on every day, including roads, waste and recycling, transport and environmental departments.

Cllr Andrews has held the role since May 2024, overseeing work including recycling performance, supporting improvements to transport and roads, as well as helping communities recover from severe weather and flooding.

But he said the decision to step back from the leadership position was “the right one for me”.

“After a great deal of thought and reflection, I’ve made the personal decision to step down from my role, and I’m having to relinquish my position due to personal issues. This has not been an easy decision, but it is the right one for me,” he said.

“It has been a real privilege to serve as cabinet member for place services over the past two-plus years. This role is at the heart of life in Dorset – from the condition of our roads, to how people recycle, to how residents travel and feel safe in their communities.

“I’m proud of what has been delivered during this time. We’ve supported improvements to local transport, helped shape long-term plans to make journeys safer and more reliable, and worked closely with communities following severe weather to strengthen resilience for the future.

“This decision is about taking the right step personally at this time. The work across place services will continue with the same strong teams, focus and commitment to residents. I will be handing over to my successor in early September and will be available to offer any advice and guidance I can to support a smooth transition.

“I want to thank all the staff I’ve had dealings with over the two-plus years I’ve been cabinet member, especially the executive director, Jan Britton, and his corporate directors. I would also like to thank my cabinet colleagues and fellow councillors from all sides of the chamber.

“Finally, I want to thank my wife Jane for her support over these two very short years. I remain proud of what has been achieved and wish everyone involved every success as this work continues.”

Cllr Jon Andrews is stepping down as Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services. Picture: Dorset Council

Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, added: “I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Jon for the incredible commitment, passion and expertise he has brought to this role. He hasn’t just held the portfolio – he has lived it day in, day out.

“From roads and transport through to waste and environmental services, Jon has been deeply invested in making sure these services work for our residents and our communities.

“He has always been focused on doing things the right way; supporting our staff, driving high standards, and ensuring our work aligns with the council’s priorities while delivering real, practical outcomes for people across Dorset. His knowledge and hands-on approach have made a genuine difference.

“While I’m sorry to see him step down from Cabinet, I fully respect his decision and am grateful for everything he has given in this role. I look forward to continuing to work with him as a dedicated local member, and I wish him all the very best.”

July’s Cabinet and Full Council meetings will be the last Cllr Andrews attends in his role, with a successor to be announced in due course, ahead of September’s meetings.

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