Members of the new-look Dorset Council Cabinet. Picture: Dorset Council

Reshuffle sees shake-up of leadership at Dorset Council to clarify “who leads on what”

Paul JonesMay 19, 20260 Comment0

THE leadership of Dorset Council has been shaken up after a reshuffle.

Roles on the authority’s Cabinet have been changed, with the changes announced at the Full Council meeting on May 14.

While the Cabinet will still have 10 members, leaders said changes had been made to make it clearer “who leads on what”.

“It will also make it easier to join up services, so people get the right support faster,” a spokesperson said.

Councillor Ryan Hope will step down from Cabinet after two years, with roles being assigned, including:

Cllr Matt Bell will become Cabinet member for public health, prevention and communities.
Cllr Nick Ireland will continue as leader of the council and Cabinet member for climate, performance, communications, and safeguarding.
Deputy Leader Cllr Richard Biggs: Regeneration, Economic Growth and Strategic Assets
Cllr Simon Clifford: Resources and Finance
Cllr Ben Wilson: Transformation, Customer and Workforce
Cllr Clare Sutton: Children, Families and Education
Cllr Steve Robinson: Adult Social Care and Health
Cllr Gill Taylor: Housing and Homelessness
Cllr Jon Andrews: Place Services (including Highways, Waste, and Transport)
Cllr Shane Bartlett: Planning.

Leader, Cllr Ireland, said: “This refresh gives clearer leads where we need them most. It helps us prevent problems earlier, work better with partners, and makes it easier for residents to know who to contact.”

Cllr Bell added: “I’m pleased to join Cabinet and take on the public health, prevention and communities portfolio.

“My priority is helping people in Dorset stay well, reducing health inequalities, and supporting communities to get help earlier.

“I’ll work with health partners and community groups to strengthen prevention, including leisure services that support physical and mental wellbeing. I also want to back practical local action that protects nature and helps communities cope with climate impacts.”

Dorset Council elections last took place in 2024, with the next whole-council election due in May 2029.

At the same meeting, councillors also re-appointed the chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones, and the vice-chair, Cllr Les Fry, for the coming year.

At the meeting, councillors also unanimously agreed on appointments to Dorset Council’s various committees, as well as joint committees, boards and panels for 2026/27.