Poole Town
Council Elections 2026

I am standing to represent Longfleet and Sterte on the new Poole Town Council, because I’m determined to see the unique historic identity of Poole protected and decisions about Poole made by Poole residents.

As a BCP councillor for Poole Town, I have been busy acting on residents’ issues and concerns, working on improvements to the way BCP does consultations and opposing bad council decisions, like selling off our civic centre.

My work as a BCP councillor and involvement in preparations for the new council have given me the experience I need to help create an efficient town council that gives local residents a strong voice and improves our town.

I’ve been keeping busy as your BCP councillor for Hamworthy – dealing with day-to-day issues like overgrown footpaths and parking, along with larger issues, while supporting residents through my regular surgeries.

I am running to represent Hamworthy East, where I’ve lived for over 27 years, on the new Poole Town Council. Although I was against the creation and timing of the new councils, I will represent you and lay good foundations for the future, making sure your voices are heard and that positive developments emerge.

For me, this isn’t abstract politics, it’s home. I live in Baiter and see both the pride residents have in the Old Town’s character and the everyday issues that affect the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Those small, visible concerns shape how people feel about their community. With the town council being established this year, the culture and standards set at the beginning will matter for years to come. I want to help ensure it starts responsibly, where the focus

lies on practical delivery, clear communication and collaboration.

I understand experience in local government is valuable. What I bring is commitment, preparation, a strong sense of responsibility and a love for the town I grew up in.

I’m standing for the Hamworthy West & Turlin Moor ward, where I’ve lived for five years.

I’m a retired deputy head teacher, and now give my time to volunteer work in the community. I have been involved in the work of Turlin Moor Community Foodstore for nearly 3 years, and see first hand the struggle many people have to meet their day-to-day living costs.

I’m a member of the steering group that is working to create a new skatepark on Turlin Moor and I get involved with other local initiatives as a member of St. Michael’s Church. I also volunteer at the RNLI Old Lifeboat museum. I believe in local issues being dealt with by local people, and if elected, I will represent your interests to the fullest of my ability.

I was born in Dorchester, grew up in Ferndown and have now lived in Poole for 30 years. I’ve worked as a lorry driver for over 40 years in the BCP area. I’m familiar with our local roads and also the associated routes of the south of England and the Midlands.

I act as Chair for a local branch of Unite the Union, and also as Treasurer for Trades Union Council in our area. I was honoured to be involved in the recent election victory when Neil Duncan-Jordan became the Member of Parliament for Poole, and also the successes of the elections of Sue Aitkenhead and Peter Cooper as BCP Councillors.

I am aware of the current worldwide environmental concerns. I’m also aware that some of the measures taken to improve sustainable travel are unpopular with local residents and if elected, I will work with BCP Council to improve the road infrastructure for all of us. I admire the quote that says “A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transportation”. This is my vision for our area in an attempt to reduce emissions, but will only be costed and implemented with the full consultation of the residents of Poole.

I've lived in Penn Hill for 13 years. During my working life I had spells as a delivery driver and screenprinter but spent 35 years in IT, mainly as a Database Designer and Software Developer.

Some of the things I've been doing since retirement include voluntary stints with Cherry Tree Nursery, NHS Vaccinations and Poole Parkrun, as well as running around after my 4 grandchildren. When my children were younger, I was a parent governor and chair of governors at their school.

If elected, I would be advocate for improved facilities and opportunities for young people in Poole

I’m standing to represent the area I live and grew up in. I campaigned against the sale of Poole Civic Centre, organising protests outside BCP Council and calling out the council administration in the Echo for being dishonest about the costs of keeping it.

But also important is what people see and feel when they step out in their communities. We live in a beautiful part of the world, but some of our public spaces aren’t as good a state as they should be.

I’m originally from Berkshire, and moved to Poole for work after leaving university.

I have since grown to love this town, and would like to give back by standing for Town Council to represent the community I have come to call home.

If elected, I will ensure that your views are heard. I am well aware that BCP Council currently doesn’t always take residents’ views into account, and I will ensure that the Town Council does listen.

As a councillor, I will also work to keep Poole’s unique identity alive, instead of allowing Poole to become a suburb of Bournemouth.

I have been a resident of Poole for over three years. I work at a local college within the BCP area, where I support young people with Special, Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and during the summer months volunteer at Poole Bike Nights. I am proud to be actively involved in supporting and bringing together our local community.    

I’m standing because I care deeply about our future, which is our young people. I want to champion better support and opportunities for them, especially those with SEND, and I am passionate about promoting an inclusive and connected community where everyone feels valued and listened to.

My professional experience has given me a strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people and families locally. As part of my pledge, I would like to see the restoration of Oakdale Community centre, this was a key hub for the local community. However, under BCP Council it has been left to fall into disrepair. I believe it has the potential to once again become a vibrant space that brings people together, supports local groups, and strengthens our community. 

I have lived in Poole for over 30 years, working in arts education for most of that time encouraging young people to take part and experience the arts.   I retrained as a horticulturist and I’m passionate about green spaces and improving local environments to support wellbeing and mental health that allows everyone to have accessible outside space to enjoy.

Vote for Bev Wright on 7th May 2026

Vote for Martin Holst on 7th May 2026