A Poole councillor has announced she will not be standing for the newly created town council in May.
Councillor Rachel Pattinson-West, representing Alderney and Bourne Valley, joined the Green Party on January fifteenth, 2026, becoming Poole’s first Green councillor and the group’s seventh member.
Councillor Pattinson-West said she wants to focus on her family after recovering from cancer and continue supporting local priorities, including improving accessibility at Poole Bus Station and identifying future investment opportunities. She stressed the importance of a town council that is transparent, efficient and rooted in Poole’s needs.
She voted in favour of setting up the shadow town council to help with preparations but did not attend the earlier full council meeting that approved the creation of town councils. She highlighted the need for a structure that delivers real value, protects Poole’s heritage and improves local accountability.
