Conservatives say they will not stand candidates in upcoming Poole and Broadstone town council elections.
Residents in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone will vote on 7 May to elect councillors to three new town councils created by BCP Council, following a decision taken by members in October 2025 after a series of closely contested votes.
Bournemouth Town Council was approved by 34 votes to 31 with 2 abstentions, while proposals for Broadstone and Poole town councils were supported by 36 votes to 24 with 7 councillors abstaining.
The BCP Conservative Group says it has decided not to take part in elections for the Poole and Broadstone authorities, arguing the creation of the councils adds an additional layer of governance and cost for residents across the area.
Councillor John Challinor said the group had opposed the plans since they were first proposed and believes standing candidates would be hypocritical after campaigning against the changes.
He said the group believes residents did not want the new councils and should not have to cover the additional costs linked to their creation.
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