Council profile
Dorset
Unitary authority · South West · 82 seats in 52 wards · All seats elected every four years · Next election 3 May 2029
Liberal Democrats have a majority on Dorset Council. The council has 82 councillors in 52 wards. Seats by party: Lib Dem 42, Conservative 30, Other 4, Green 4, Labour 2. The next election is on 3 May 2029.
Control
Seats by party
Seat changes since the 2 May 2024 election No change since the election.
Vote share at the 2 May 2024 election (82 seats, all wards)
ShareSeats won
Lib Dem35.9%42
Conservative33.8%30
Labour11.4%2
Other10.1%4
Green8.4%4
Reform0.4%0
Next election
3 May 2029
all 82 seats up, then every four years
Largest party
Lib Dem 42
majority of 2; 42 needed
Voted Leave in 2016
56%
GB 52%
Wards
Who holds each ward
ConservativeLib DemGreenOther
Under 5 pts5 to 1010 to 20Over 20No contest data
Winning margin at the last election, in points.
Coloured by the party holding most of the ward's seats today; where seats are split evenly, by the party with the higher share at the last election.
All 52 wards
Councillors and last results
Select a ward for its full results, candidates and last by-election.
| Ward and councillors | Last election |
|---|---|
| Beacon Jane Somper | 2 May 2024 Conservative 61.4% lead 40.4 pts |
| Beaminster Craig Monks | 2 May 2024 Conservative 42.9% lead 1.6 pts |
| Blackmore Vale Steve Murcer | 2 May 2024 Conservative 50.3% lead 13.3 pts |
| Blandford Nocturin Lacey-Clarke, Byron Quayle | 2 May 2024 Conservative 52.5% lead 22.8 pts |
| Bridport Bridget Bolwell, Paddy Mooney, Sarah Williams | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 35.4% lead 3.4 pts |
| Chalk Valleys Jill Haynes | 2 May 2024 Conservative 48.0% lead 9.1 pts |
| Charminster St Mary's David Taylor | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 64.9% lead 29.8 pts |
| Chesil Bank Sally Holland | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 43.5% lead 13.7 pts |
| Chickerell Simon Clifford, Gill Taylor | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 46.6% lead 10.5 pts |
| Colehill & Wimborne Minster East Jindy Atwal, Andy Todd | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 42.4% lead 11.2 pts |
| Corfe Mullen Scott Florek, Duncan Sowry-House | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 49.1% lead 23.9 pts |
| Cranborne & Alderholt David Tooke | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 53.7% lead 13.5 pts |
| Cranborne Chase Piers Brown | 2 May 2024 Conservative 65.4% lead 45.4 pts |
| Crossways Nick Ireland | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 57.3% lead 24.8 pts |
| Dorchester East Stella Jones, Rory Major | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 39.7% lead 15.2 pts |
| Dorchester Poundbury Richard Biggs | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 54.0% lead 22.9 pts |
| Dorchester West Andy Canning, Les Fry | 2 May 2024 Independents for Dorset 38.2% lead 0.4 pts |
| Eggardon Neil Eysenck | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 43.7% lead 5.2 pts |
| Ferndown North Cathy Lugg, Mike Parkes | 2 May 2024 Conservative 31.6% lead 5.8 pts |
| Ferndown South Hannah Hobbs-Chell, Julie Robinson | 2 May 2024 Conservative 27.3% lead 2.5 pts |
| Gillingham Val Pothecary, Belinda Ridout, Carl Woode | 2 May 2024 Conservative 37.6% lead 1.5 pts |
| Hill Forts & Upper Tarrants Sherry Jespersen | 2 May 2024 Conservative 55.4% lead 35.8 pts |
| Littlemoor & Preston Peter Dickenson, Louie O'Leary | 2 May 2024 Conservative 51.0% lead 29.0 pts |
| Lyme & Charmouth Belinda Bawden | 2 May 2024 Green 61.0% lead 34.8 pts |
| Lytchett Matravers & Upton Alex Brenton, Steve Robinson, Andrew Starr | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 48.6% lead 10.2 pts |
| Marshwood Vale Simon Christopher | 2 May 2024 Conservative 39.8% lead 7.4 pts |
| Melcombe Regis Jon Orrell | 2 May 2024 Green 49.2% lead 19.1 pts |
| Portland Rob Hughes, Paul Kimber, Pete Roper | 2 May 2024 Independents for Dorset 29.8% lead 0.8 pts |
| Puddletown & Lower Winterborne Emma Parker | 2 May 2024 Conservative 46.3% lead 11.3 pts |
| Radipole Matt Bell, Louise Bown | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 60.0% lead 39.6 pts |
| Rodwell & Wyke Clare Sutton, Claudia Webb, Kate Wheller | 2 May 2024 Green 40.7% lead 3.5 pts |
| Shaftesbury Town Derek Beer, Jack Jeanes | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 46.3% lead 27.9 pts |
| Sherborne East Jon Andrews | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 58.1% lead 23.3 pts |
| Sherborne Rural Robin Legg | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 60.3% lead 20.6 pts |
| Sherborne West Richard Crabb | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 43.9% lead 7.9 pts |
| South East Purbeck Ben Wilson | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 57.8% lead 22.1 pts |
| St Leonards & St Ives Ray Bryan, Margaret Goringe | 2 May 2024 Conservative 62.9% lead 25.8 pts |
| Stalbridge & Marnhull James Vitali | 2 May 2024 Conservative 51.0% lead 10.9 pts |
| Stour & Allen Vale Will Chakawhata | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 53.0% lead 14.7 pts |
| Sturminster Newton Carole Jones | 2 May 2024 Conservative 66.9% lead 41.8 pts |
| Swanage Gary Suttle, Chris Tomes | 2 May 2024 Conservative 31.6% lead 4.4 pts |
| Upwey & Broadwey David Northam | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 55.9% lead 30.9 pts |
| Verwood Toni Coombs, Spencer Flower, Simon Gibson | 2 May 2024 Conservative 56.2% lead 32.2 pts |
| Wareham Beryl Ezzard, Ryan Holloway | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 65.4% lead 43.4 pts |
| West Moors & Three Legged Cross David Shortell, Andy Skeats | 2 May 2024 Conservative 46.3% lead 15.0 pts |
| West Parley Andrew Parry | 2 May 2024 Conservative 66.0% lead 48.2 pts |
| West Purbeck Mike Baker, Laura Beddow | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 49.7% lead 11.3 pts |
| Westham Alex Fuhrmann, Ryan Hope | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 42.3% lead 16.1 pts |
| Wimborne Minster Shane Bartlett, David Morgan | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 59.9% lead 34.4 pts |
| Winterborne & Broadmayne Roland Tarr | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 62.1% lead 36.0 pts |
| Winterborne North Barrie Cooper | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 54.6% lead 18.0 pts |
| Yetminster Chris Kippax | 2 May 2024 Lib Dem 47.7% lead 3.6 pts |
Beacon
Jane Somper Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane Somper Elected | Conservative | 898 | 61.4% |
| Claire Elizabeth Reed | Lib Dem | 307 | 21.0% |
| Gillian Clare Cross | Labour | 133 | 9.1% |
| Sheila Healy | Green | 125 | 8.5% |
Beaminster
Craig Monks Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craig Monks Elected | Conservative | 601 | 42.9% |
| Paul David Fitzpatrick | Lib Dem | 579 | 41.3% |
| Julie Cooke | Labour | 70 | 5.0% |
| Yvonne Harris | Reform | 69 | 4.9% |
| Andy McEwen | Green | 65 | 4.6% |
| Richard Thomas Gunning | Independent | 17 | 1.2% |
Blackmore Vale
Steve Murcer Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Murcer Elected | Conservative | 637 | 50.3% |
| Ian Philip Suter | Lib Dem | 468 | 37.0% |
| Vicki Elcoate | Green | 161 | 12.7% |
Blandford
Byron Quayle ConservativeNocturin Lacey-Clarke Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Byron Robert Quayle Elected | Conservative | 1,334 |
| Noc Lacey-Clarke Elected | Conservative | 1,307 |
| Hugo Anthony Mieville | Lib Dem | 756 |
| David Edwin Orton | Lib Dem | 556 |
| Gerald Davies | Labour | 279 |
| Dennis Wardleworth | Labour | 259 |
| Lisa Willis | Green | 123 |
| Pete West | Green | 113 |
| Daniel Paul Avery | Social Democratic Party | 50 |
| Linda Isobel Stenner | Social Democratic Party | 31 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Bridport
Bridget Bolwell Lib DemPaddy Mooney Lib DemSarah Williams Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (3 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Williams Elected | Lib Dem | 1,726 |
| Dave Bolwell Elected | Lib Dem | 1,646 |
| Bridget Bolwell Elected | Lib Dem | 1,587 |
| Kelvin Charles Clayton | Green | 1,562 |
| Julian Stephen Langton Jones | Green | 1,166 |
| Bob Hamblett | Green | 880 |
| Una Mary Christopher | Conservative | 832 |
| Steven Rose | Labour | 760 |
| Anna Louise Cox | Conservative | 754 |
| Frances Kathleen McKenzie | Conservative | 747 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Last by-election, 21 May 2026
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy Mooney Elected | Lib Dem | 2,190 | 43.6% |
| Jason Holt | Reform | 1,164 | 23.2% |
| Kelvin Charles Clayton | Green | 1,011 | 20.1% |
| Una Mary Christopher | Conservative | 656 | 13.1% |
Chalk Valleys
Jill Haynes Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jill Haynes Elected | Conservative | 683 | 48.0% |
| Iain Douglas Young | Lib Dem | 554 | 38.9% |
| John Bennett | Labour | 186 | 13.1% |
Charminster St Mary's
David Taylor Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Taylor Elected | Lib Dem | 892 | 64.9% |
| Nigel McCrea | Conservative | 483 | 35.1% |
Chesil Bank
Sally Holland Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sally Anne Holland Elected | Lib Dem | 704 | 43.5% |
| Mark Roberts | Conservative | 482 | 29.8% |
| Peter Reid | Green | 373 | 23.0% |
| Richard Howard Nicholls | Labour | 61 | 3.8% |
Chickerell
Gill Taylor Lib DemSimon Clifford Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Gill Taylor Elected | Lib Dem | 891 |
| Simon Arthur Dewi Clifford Elected | Lib Dem | 729 |
| Jean Dunseith | Conservative | 690 |
| Andrew William MacLeod Reid | Conservative | 570 |
| Grafton Alphonso Straker | Labour | 329 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Colehill & Wimborne Minster East
Andy Todd Lib DemJindy Atwal Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Todd Elected | Lib Dem | 1,275 |
| Jindy Atwal Elected | Lib Dem | 1,168 |
| KD Johnson | Conservative | 940 |
| Carol Lynda Butter | Conservative | 764 |
| Emma Urquhart | Independent | 578 |
| David Moore | Labour | 215 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Corfe Mullen
Duncan Sowry-House Lib DemScott Florek Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Duncan Sowry-House Elected | Lib Dem | 1,249 |
| Scott Florek Elected | Lib Dem | 1,145 |
| Mike Barron | Conservative | 641 |
| Penny Barron | Conservative | 597 |
| Lee Charles Hardy | Independent | 457 |
| Graham Paul Hillman | Labour | 197 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Cranborne & Alderholt
David Tooke Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Tooke Elected | Lib Dem | 678 | 53.7% |
| Adrian Hibberd | Conservative | 508 | 40.2% |
| Peter Parsons | Labour | 77 | 6.1% |
Cranborne Chase
Piers Brown Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piers Brown Elected | Conservative | 634 | 65.4% |
| Tom Harding | Lib Dem | 194 | 20.0% |
| Louise Claire Cooper | Labour | 142 | 14.6% |
Crossways
Nick Ireland Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick Ireland Elected | Lib Dem | 636 | 57.3% |
| Andrew Ross-Skinner | Conservative | 361 | 32.5% |
| Jim Draper | Labour | 113 | 10.2% |
Dorchester East
Rory Major Lib DemStella Jones Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Stella Jones Elected | Lib Dem | 1,337 |
| Rory Major Elected | Lib Dem | 979 |
| Kate Hebditch | Green | 825 |
| Katy Jones | Independents for Dorset | 571 |
| Angus Christopher | Conservative | 329 |
| Mina Bowater | Conservative | 322 |
| Barry Thompson | Labour | 304 |
| Ash Mottaghi | Labour | 208 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Dorchester Poundbury
Richard Biggs Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Martin Biggs Elected | Lib Dem | 780 | 54.0% |
| Peter Jonathon Stein | Conservative | 449 | 31.1% |
| Nick Boothroyd | Labour | 122 | 8.4% |
| Len Herbert | Green | 93 | 6.4% |
Dorchester West
Andy Canning Lib DemLes Fry Independent
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Les Fry Elected | Independents for Dorset | 1,335 |
| Andy Canning Elected | Lib Dem | 1,322 |
| Claudia Sorin | Labour | 580 |
| Jeremy Peel-Yates | Conservative | 261 |
| Andrew Charles Wyatt | Labour | 259 |
| Kevin Selby | Conservative | 254 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Eggardon
Neil Eysenck Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neil Jeffrey Eysenck Elected | Lib Dem | 724 | 43.7% |
| Harry Coutts | Conservative | 637 | 38.5% |
| Richard Edwards | Green | 238 | 14.4% |
| David Machin | Labour | 57 | 3.4% |
Ferndown North
Cathy Lugg ConservativeMike Parkes Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Cathy Lugg Elected | Conservative | 955 |
| Mike Parkes Elected | Conservative | 794 |
| Simon Lee Cable | Independent | 781 |
| Philip Leach | Independent | 753 |
| Michael Adrian Clements | Lib Dem | 304 |
| Andrei Silviu Dragotoniu | Reform | 232 |
| Esbjörn Roderick Wilmar | Lib Dem | 228 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Ferndown South
Hannah Hobbs-Chell IndependentJulie Robinson Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Julie Lorraine Robinson Elected | Conservative | 684 |
| Hannah Hobbs-Chell Elected | Independent | 621 |
| George Phillips | Conservative | 602 |
| Lawrence Leslie Ralph Wilson | Independent | 556 |
| Paul Hanson Graham | Independent | 367 |
| Susan Jefferies | Lib Dem | 276 |
| Ross Alexander Bowell | Lib Dem | 270 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Gillingham
Belinda Ridout ConservativeCarl Woode Lib DemVal Pothecary Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (3 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Val Pothecary Elected | Conservative | 1,549 |
| Belinda Brenda Louise Ridout Elected | Conservative | 1,528 |
| Carl Anthony Woode Elected | Lib Dem | 1,490 |
| David Charles Thomas Fox | Lib Dem | 1,444 |
| David Walsh | Conservative | 1,408 |
| Alex Percy | Lib Dem | 1,402 |
| Angela Henshall | Green | 554 |
| Anna Marsh | Labour | 532 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Hill Forts & Upper Tarrants
Sherry Jespersen Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherry Jespersen Elected | Conservative | 709 | 55.4% |
| Joseph Roger Hickish | Lib Dem | 251 | 19.6% |
| Alan Cross | Labour | 168 | 13.1% |
| Keith Yarwood | Green | 151 | 11.8% |
Littlemoor & Preston
Louie O'Leary ConservativePeter Dickenson Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Louie James O'Leary Elected | Conservative | 1,599 |
| Peter Dickenson Elected | Conservative | 1,379 |
| Howard Richard Legg | Lib Dem | 688 |
| Ann Weaving | Lib Dem | 664 |
| Alex Bailey | Independent | 439 |
| Steve Brown | Labour | 408 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Lyme & Charmouth
Belinda Bawden Green
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belinda Bawden Elected | Green | 884 | 61.0% |
| Michaela Louise Ellis | Conservative | 380 | 26.2% |
| Paddy Mooney | Lib Dem | 103 | 7.1% |
| David Hart | Labour | 83 | 5.7% |
Lytchett Matravers & Upton
Alex Brenton Lib DemAndrew Starr Lib DemSteve Robinson Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (3 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Robinson Elected | Lib Dem | 1,356 |
| Alex Brenton Elected | Lib Dem | 1,354 |
| Andrew James Starr Elected | Lib Dem | 1,155 |
| Bill Pipe | Conservative | 1,073 |
| Sean Gabriel | Conservative | 965 |
| Stew McKell | Conservative | 928 |
| John Patrick Billington | Labour | 363 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Marshwood Vale
Simon Christopher Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simon John Christopher Elected | Conservative | 645 | 39.8% |
| Jacqui Sewell | Green | 525 | 32.4% |
| Jane Gregory | Lib Dem | 340 | 21.0% |
| Steve Chapman | Labour | 109 | 6.7% |
Melcombe Regis
Jon Orrell Green
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Orrell Elected | Green | 419 | 49.2% |
| Claire Wall | Conservative | 256 | 30.1% |
| Howard John Atkinson | Labour | 176 | 20.7% |
Portland
Paul Kimber LabourPete Roper Independents for DorsetRob Hughes Independents for Dorset
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (3 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Pete Roper Elected | Independents for Dorset | 899 |
| Rob Hughes Elected | Independents for Dorset | 895 |
| Paul Ralph Kimber Elected | Labour | 875 |
| Catherine Bennett | Green | 785 |
| Susan Cocking | Independents for Dorset | 744 |
| Carralyn Paula Parkes | Labour | 724 |
| Bernard Edward Parkes | Labour | 546 |
| Margaret Caroline Gadd | Conservative | 342 |
| Ian Munro-Price | Conservative | 244 |
| Maureen Quinn | Conservative | 224 |
| Holly Hope | Lib Dem | 120 |
| Lee Daniel Harmsworth | Lib Dem | 75 |
| Gillian Pearson | Lib Dem | 74 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Puddletown & Lower Winterborne
Emma Parker Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Jayne Parker Elected | Conservative | 603 | 46.3% |
| James Henry Lloyd | Lib Dem | 456 | 35.0% |
| Helen Badger | Labour | 243 | 18.7% |
Radipole
Louise Bown Lib DemMatt Bell Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Bell Elected | Lib Dem | 1,427 |
| Louise Bown Elected | Lib Dem | 1,123 |
| Pauline Crump | Labour | 486 |
| George Granycome | Conservative | 464 |
| James William Farquharson | Conservative | 457 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Rodwell & Wyke
Clare Sutton GreenClaudia Webb GreenKate Wheller Labour
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (3 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Clare Sutton Elected | Green | 1,516 |
| Kate Wheller Elected | Labour | 1,385 |
| Claudia Lucienne Webb Elected | Green | 1,327 |
| Valerie Jane Graves | Green | 1,199 |
| Antony Prowse | Labour | 914 |
| Caroline Joyce Nickinson | Conservative | 825 |
| Richard Douglas Nickinson | Conservative | 756 |
| Thomas Taylor | Labour | 700 |
| Clare Louise Williams | Conservative | 644 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Shaftesbury Town
Derek Beer Lib DemJack Jeanes Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Derek Leslie Beer Elected | Lib Dem | 1,403 |
| Jack David John Jeanes Elected | Lib Dem | 1,008 |
| Virginia Edwyn-Jones | Conservative | 558 |
| Andrew Reginald Hollingshead | Independent | 529 |
| Barry Von Clemens | Conservative | 269 |
| Dan Bavister | Labour | 233 |
| Lester Mark Dibben | Independent | 187 |
| Steve Unwin | Patriots Alliance - English Democrats and UKIP | 118 |
| Jeff Taylor | Patriots Alliance - English Democrats and UKIP | 86 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Sherborne East
Jon Andrews Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Andrews Elected | Lib Dem | 838 | 58.1% |
| Juliet May Pentolfe | Conservative | 502 | 34.8% |
| Robert Sean Casey | Green | 103 | 7.1% |
Sherborne Rural
Robin Legg Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Andrew Shane Legg Elected | Lib Dem | 916 | 60.3% |
| Stephen Hillier | Conservative | 604 | 39.7% |
Sherborne West
Richard Crabb Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Henry Geoffrey Crabb Elected | Lib Dem | 575 | 43.9% |
| Rebecca Burns | Conservative | 471 | 36.0% |
| Taff Martin | Independent | 264 | 20.2% |
South East Purbeck
Ben Wilson Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Wilson Elected | Lib Dem | 848 | 57.8% |
| Cherry Louise Brooks | Conservative | 523 | 35.7% |
| Peter Copp | Labour | 95 | 6.5% |
St Leonards & St Ives
Margaret Goringe ConservativeRay Bryan Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Bryan Elected | Conservative | 1,236 |
| Barry Peter Goringe Elected | Conservative | 1,160 |
| Nicola Joanne Buskell | Lib Dem | 730 |
| Andrew Paul Barham | Lib Dem | 626 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Last by-election, 2 July 2026
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margaret Elizabeth Goringe Elected | Conservative | 928 | 37.9% |
| Philip Leach | Reform | 823 | 33.6% |
| Andrew Paul Barham | Lib Dem | 629 | 25.7% |
| Mark Hamilton Keith | Green | 68 | 2.8% |
Stalbridge & Marnhull
James Vitali Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Charles Vitali Elected | Conservative | 767 | 51.0% |
| Rosalind Sheila Eveleigh | Lib Dem | 603 | 40.1% |
| Richard Harvey | Green | 133 | 8.8% |
Stour & Allen Vale
Will Chakawhata Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Chakawhata Elected | Lib Dem | 688 | 53.0% |
| Robin David Cook | Conservative | 497 | 38.3% |
| Maryanne Pike | Labour | 114 | 8.8% |
Sturminster Newton
Carole Jones Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carole Yvonne Jones Elected | Conservative | 712 | 66.9% |
| Kevin Nicholas Maitland-Gleed | Lib Dem | 267 | 25.1% |
| Jennifer Daultrey | Labour | 85 | 8.0% |
Swanage
Chris Tomes ConservativeGary Suttle Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Maurice Suttle Elected | Conservative | 1,262 |
| William Stanley Trite Elected | Conservative | 1,148 |
| Debby Monkhouse | Labour | 1,084 |
| Chris Bradey | Labour | 789 |
| Philip Michael Eades | Independent | 686 |
| Helen Mary McDavid | Independent | 460 |
| Matt Piper | Lib Dem | 283 |
| Kia Pope | Green | 215 |
| Gill Calvin Thomas | Lib Dem | 192 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Last by-election, 24 July 2025
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Tomes Elected | Conservative | 1,254 | 35.3% |
| John Lejeune | Reform | 748 | 21.0% |
| Poppy Maltby | Lib Dem | 737 | 20.7% |
| Philip Michael Eades | Independents for Dorset | 415 | 11.7% |
| Gemma Nancy Alison Simmons | Labour | 400 | 11.3% |
Upwey & Broadwey
David Northam Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| David James Northam Elected | Lib Dem | 710 | 55.9% |
| Jan Edward Ernest Bergman | Conservative | 317 | 25.0% |
| Byron Silver | Labour | 242 | 19.1% |
Verwood
Simon Gibson ConservativeSpencer Flower ConservativeToni Coombs Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (3 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Gibson Elected | Conservative | 2,006 |
| Toni Bartley Coombs Elected | Conservative | 1,918 |
| Spencer Grant Flower Elected | Conservative | 1,765 |
| Lindsey Dedden | Lib Dem | 857 |
| Ted Mason | Lib Dem | 707 |
| Ginette Marie Holdroyd | Lib Dem | 579 |
| Sandra Turner | Labour | 487 |
| John Baxter | UKIP | 220 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Wareham
Beryl Ezzard Lib DemRyan Holloway Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Beryl Rita Ezzard Elected | Lib Dem | 1,879 |
| Ryan David Holloway Elected | Lib Dem | 1,710 |
| Jane Newell | Conservative | 632 |
| Victoria Stocqueler | Conservative | 617 |
| David Brian Law | Labour | 361 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
West Moors & Three Legged Cross
Andy Skeats ConservativeDavid Shortell Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| David Shortell Elected | Conservative | 1,056 |
| Andy Skeats Elected | Conservative | 1,054 |
| Sally Christine Walls | Lib Dem | 713 |
| Peter Durant | Lib Dem | 671 |
| Malcolm John Hobbs | Independent | 273 |
| Steven Anzinger-Cooper | Independent | 239 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
West Parley
Andrew Parry Conservative
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Charles Parry Elected | Conservative | 564 | 66.0% |
| Ann Josephine Miller | Independent | 152 | 17.8% |
| Marlies Koutstaal | Lib Dem | 139 | 16.3% |
West Purbeck
Laura Beddow ConservativeMike Baker Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Michael John Baker Elected | Lib Dem | 1,245 |
| Laura Jane Beddow Elected | Conservative | 962 |
| David Graham Civil | Lib Dem | 929 |
| Peter Kendrick Wharf | Conservative | 835 |
| Peter David Green | Labour | 300 |
| David Peden | Labour | 171 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Westham
Alex Fuhrmann Lib DemRyan Hope Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Dean Hope Elected | Lib Dem | 708 |
| Alex Fuhrmann Elected | Lib Dem | 684 |
| Lucy Hamilton | Labour | 438 |
| Jon Rodd | Labour | 320 |
| Christine Mary James | Independents for Dorset | 272 |
| Alexander John McGlynn | Conservative | 255 |
| Thomas Oswald Tannassee | Conservative | 175 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Wimborne Minster
David Morgan Lib DemShane Bartlett Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024 (2 seats)
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Shane Bartlett Elected | Lib Dem | 1,161 |
| David Morgan Elected | Lib Dem | 1,067 |
| Sue Cook | Conservative | 493 |
| Mike Bartlett | Conservative | 451 |
| Ashley Wynne Rowlands | Labour | 283 |
Party shares count each party's leading candidate.
Winterborne & Broadmayne
Roland Tarr Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roland Tarr Elected | Lib Dem | 747 | 62.1% |
| Mark Penfold | Conservative | 314 | 26.1% |
| Graham Richard Brant | Reform | 142 | 11.8% |
Winterborne North
Barrie Cooper Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrie George Cooper Elected | Lib Dem | 663 | 54.6% |
| Steve O'Connell | Conservative | 444 | 36.6% |
| Haydn White | Labour | 107 | 8.8% |
Yetminster
Chris Kippax Lib Dem
Last scheduled election, 2 May 2024
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Kippax Elected | Lib Dem | 813 | 47.7% |
| Diane Elizabeth Howell | Conservative | 752 | 44.1% |
| Stuart Martin | Green | 139 | 8.2% |
By-elections
Every council by-election since 2021
5 by-elections since July 2021, 0 of them gains.
| Date | Ward | Result | Winner's share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 July 2026 | St Leonards & St Ives | Conservative hold | 37.9% |
| 21 May 2026 | Bridport | Lib Dem hold | 43.6% |
| 24 July 2025 | Swanage | Conservative hold | 35.0% |
| 31 March 2024 | Littlemoor & Preston | Conservative hold | |
| 29 June 2023 | Sherborne West | Lib Dem hold |
Parliament
Parliamentary constituencies
| Constituency | Share of council | 2024 winner | Projected now |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dorset | 26% | Labour | Labour 33% |
| North Dorset | 24% | Conservative | Conservative 33% |
| West Dorset | 24% | Lib Dem | Lib Dem 41% |
| Mid Dorset and North Poole | 16% | Lib Dem | Lib Dem 36% |
| Christchurch | 11% | Conservative | Conservative 38% |
Share of the council: the proportion of its census neighbourhoods (2021 LSOAs) in each seat. The projection is PollCheck's demographic model at current polling, not a forecast.
People
Who lives in Dorset
379,584 residents in 169,250 households
Voted Leave in 2016
56% 4 above GB
Degree or higher
32% 2 below GB
No qualifications
16% 2 below GB
Own their home
70% 9 above GB
Rent from a council or housing association
12% 5 below GB
Rent privately
16% 4 below GB
Aged 15 to 34
21% 10 below GB
Aged 65 and over
34% 12 above GB
GB figure. 2021 Census (Scotland: 2022): age as a share of residents aged 15 and over, qualifications of residents aged 16 and over, housing as a share of households. Leave: 2016 EU referendum, Electoral Commission results by counting area.
Similar
Councils most like this one
East DevonLiberal Democrats / Green / Independent CoalitionNew ForestConservative (Majority)West DevonIndependent / Green / Liberal Democrats / Labour CoalitionTeignbridgeLiberal Democrats (Majority)BaberghGreen / Independent / Liberal Democrats Coalition
Closest on the measures above: the 2016 Leave vote, age, qualifications and housing. Maps show which party holds each ward.
Sources
Sources and method
Seat totals and control: PollCheck council control tracker. Councillors: Open Council Data (CC BY-SA 4.0). Election results: Democracy Club (CC BY 4.0), with some vote counts from DCLEAPIL, Leman (2025) (CC BY-SA 4.0), and corrections checked against councils' official declarations. Ward boundaries: Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v.3.0. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. Census: Office for National Statistics and National Records of Scotland.
Councillor lists and DCLEAPIL-derived vote counts on this page are available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
In wards electing more than one councillor, a party's share counts only its leading candidate (the Rallings and Thrasher method). Independents count individually. The lead is the gap between the top two parties' shares.