THE new leader of Dorset County Council's Conservative group - who is set to become the leader of the authority - says she is looking forward to getting on with the job. 

Rebecca Knox, county councillor for the Beaminster division, was elected Conservative Group Leader on Dorset County Council at a meeting yesterday.

It follows county council elections last week which saw the Conservatives retain control of Dorset County Council – although leader Robert Gould lost his seat.

Conservatives won 32 of the 46 seats - a gain of four seats.

The Green Party gained an extra seat in Weymouth and Portland while the Liberal Democrats lost two county-wide and the number of Labour councillors in the council fell from three to just one.

The new make-up of Dorset County Council is 32 Conservatives, 11 Liberal Democrats, two Greens and one Labour.

Cllr Knox said: “I am delighted to have the support of my colleagues and pleased that we have so many new councillors bringing a fresh approach to the council.

"There is much to do, we have a substantial programme of work we need to get on with, and I look forward to the opportunities we can deliver together with our valuable staff for the residents of Dorset.”

Cllr Peter Wharf, who represents North West Purbeck, was elected Deputy Group Leader.

Cllr Janet Dover (Colehill East and Stapehill) continues as the Liberal Democrat Group Leader.

Cllr Dover said: “I am pleased to be able to welcome new colleagues to the group. As the largest opposition group we will be working positively with the administration, but we will also challenge them when we need to and hold them to account to get the best for the people of Dorset.”

Cllr Clare Sutton (Rodwell) is the Leader of the Green Group.

Cllr Sutton said: “I am delighted that for the first time we have a Green Group on the county council. I am looking forward to having a stronger voice in the decisions made by the council and how they impact on our communities and the environment.”

The new leader of Dorset County Council will be elected at full council on Thursday, May 18, with the leader subsequently confirming their Cabinet.

This post is filled by the leader of the largest party on the county council – in this case Cllr Knox.

At that meeting, there will also be the election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Dorset County Council, as well as appointments to committees, including the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, and the Audit and Governance Committee.