The Chairman of BCP Council is the first citizen of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The current chairman of BCP Council is Councillor Lesley Dedman.

Born in London, Lesley has lived in various places in the United Kingdom, initially joining the Civil Service, and travelling widely in places such as South America, the Far East and the former Soviet Union.

Upon starting a family Lesley lived and worked on a small farm in Anglesey, bringing in organic principles, before finally moving to Dorset in the late 80’s where the family bought and ran a Care Home in Friars Cliff.

With four children it seemed natural to join Parent Teacher Associations and from them a short step to her local council.  Since serving initially on Ferndown Town Council, Lesley has served on five other Dorset Councils and has invaluable all-round experience of local government.

One of the great honours of her civic life has been her election as Mayor for five terms, twice at Ferndown from 2007 to 2009 and for three consecutive years at Christchurch.

Now elected to the Chairmanship of BCP Council, Lesley considers this role of huge importance, being the public face of a mainly anonymous body, and giving a wonderful opportunity to promote the hard work carried out by the Council for the people of the area.

Serving as Chairman of BCP council, which is responsible for all local government services to over 400,000 residents, gives a unique chance to connect with local communities in the three towns, and to advance people’s understanding of BCP Council’s aspirations for its wonderful neighbourhoods. 

Role, duties and responsibilities 

The Chairmans role is to:

• promote the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area as a place to live and visit
• promote the towns locally, nationally and internationally
• promote, liaise and link with private and voluntary sector organisations
• participate in and help initiate activities that enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of the former boroughs and their residents
• act as host to official visitor to the town
• represent the Council at ceremonial events
• carry out all duties in a manner appropriate to the status and tradition of the office.

The Chairman also has the following responsibilities:

• to uphold and promote the purposes of the constitution
• to preside over meetings of Full Council and ensure meetings follow the procedures set out in the constitution
• to be the conscience of the Council.

How to contact the Chairman

You can contact the Chairman by email at chairman@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.