Councillor Philip Broadhead will step down from BCP Council next week as he and his family prepare to relocate to the United Arab Emirates.
The Talbot and Branksome Woods councillor confirmed the decision follows a job offer made to his wife, a local doctor, by one of the region’s top hospitals. He described the opportunity as “too good to turn down” and said it aligns with their wider ambitions as a family.
Councillor Broadhead, who has lived in all three BCP towns, has served in local government for over a decade. His roles have included Cabinet Member at Bournemouth Borough Council, Deputy Leader, and Leader of BCP Council.
He said it had been a privilege to represent residents and contribute to improvements across the area through business support, regeneration projects and investment.
Looking ahead, he encouraged others to get involved in local politics and urged future leaders to focus on action and bold decision-making, rather than criticism.
He also acknowledged the pressures of political life, saying most councillors were simply trying to do their best for their communities.
Councillor Broadhead said he would remain a strong supporter of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in the years to come.