peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 17, 2023 3:33:44 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 17, 2023 3:33:44 GMT
Portland
3 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 12,844 2021 Census Population: 13,558 2011-2021 Population Change: +5.40% Area: 4.69 Square Miles Population Density: 2,890 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 18.0%, 18-64 59.4%, 65 and Above 22.6% Percentage Born Abroad: 5.1% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.3% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 1.3% Gender: 52.9% Male, 47.1% Female
2019 result: Ind 1,052/894/447, Lab 910/847/675, Con 732/680/571, Green 697
Sitting councillors: Rob Hughes, Paul Ralph Kimber, Susan Cocking,
Background: Portland consists of a peninsula extending the south of Weymouth. There are a series of small settlements in Portland. Fortuneswell in the north has a name first recorded in the early 17th century and is apparently named for the supposed fortune telling powers of the local water. A pair of villages named Easton and Weston can be found to the center of Portland. Easton was the site of an incident in 1803 when three civilians were killed by marines attempting to press locals into Naval service. Southwell, to the south of course, dates to at least medieval times and was the site of Britain's second largest landslide in 1734. Politically however, the Portland ward is not categorised by landslides but recorded a rather close result in 2019 which saw two independent and one Labour councillor elected. Although Conservative gains are probably unlikely in the current climate, almost any result is possible here. The Lib Dems did not stand in 2019, I am unsure if they will be standing in 2024 or not. Portland has a separate town council which is partisanly organised will be the subject of a separate profile.
Prediction: I would lean to some combination of Labour and independents, probably with at least 1 independent, but almost any combination could occur here.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Post by peterl on Dec 17, 2023 4:51:12 GMT
Weymouth Town CouncilAs Weymouth Town Council's initial boundaries were based on those of relevant parts of the old Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, it is unusually large with 29 councillors across 12 wards. Extensive boundary changes come into force for the 2024 elections, which are discussed below. The wards in many cases match the Dorset Council wards, and where they do not I have highlighted this in the above ward profiles. This map, produced by local councillor Ian Wakeling, shows the ward boundaries.Littlemoor2 seat ward.2019 result: Lab 446/366, Con 313/254 Elected councillors: Mark Richard Tewekesbury, Ann Linda Rosina Weaving Melcombe Regis3 seat ward.2019 result: Green 939, Ind 463/280, Lab 412/205/187, Con 359/284/201, Lib Dem 220/130 Elected councillors: Jon Orrell, Ken Whatley, Tia Roos Jon Orrell is also Dorset Councillor for Melcombe Regis, stood for Parliament for the Greens for Dorset South in 2017 and 2019 and has been selected to stand again at the 2024 General Election. Preston3 seat ward.Con 778/761/591, Lib Dem 803/601/583, Ind 674, Lab 319 Elected councillors: David Mannings, Tony Ferrari, Jan Bergman By election May 2021, in lieu of David Mannings (Con): Con 1,004, Lib Dem 627, Ind 425, Lab 201 Con Hold By election Jan 2024, in lieu of Tony Ferrari (Con): Con 959, Lib Dem 610, Lab 100 Con Hold Radipole2 seat ward.Lib Dem 536/533, Con 289/239, Lab 224 Elected councillors: Peter Lawrence Fraser Barrow, David Michael Gray Upwey and Broadwey2 seat ward.Lib Dem 380/344, Con 346/300, Lab 212 Elected councillors: Howard Richard Legg, Kevin Brookes Howard Legg sits on Dorset Council for the same ward. Westham East2 seat ward.Lib Dem 436/291, Lab 311/254, Con 202 Elected councillors: Ryan Dean Hope, Alex Fuhrmann Westham North3 seat ward.Lib Dem 784/688/620, Lab 416/339, Con 308 Elected councillors: David Best Harris, Christine Mary James Westham West2 seat ward.Lib Dem 540/417, Con 196, Lab 156/139 Elected councillors: Gill Taylor, Trefor Morgan By Election April 2022 in lieu of Trefor Morgan (Lib Dem): Lib Dem 262, Con 174, Lab 95 Lib Dem Hold Wey Valley2 seat ward.Lib Dem 605/467, Con 392/358, Lab 218 Elected councillors: David James Northam, Graham Stanley Ernest Winter By Election Dec 2022: Lib Dem 386, Con 302, Lab 129 Lab Hold Weymouth East2 seat ward.Green 654, Ind 446, Con 281/223, Lab 225 Elected councillors: Graham Lambert, Luke Michael Wakeling Weymouth West3 seat ward.Lab 703/627/587, Con 645/489 Elected councillors: Colin John Huckle, Richard Douglas Nickinson, Michael Frost Wyke Regis3 seat ward.Lab 918/720/513, Ind 563, Con 455/404 Elected councillors: Kate Wheller, Lucy Hamilton, Tim Griffiths Kate Wheller is also a councillor for Dorset Council's Rodwell and Wyke Ward. By Election May 2021, caused by the resignation of Tim Griffiths (Lab): Lab 626, Con 563, Green 312 Lab Hold Elected councillor: Becky Blake, who in turn resigned in May 2022. By Election July 2022, in lieu of Becky Blake (Lab): Green 464, Con 381, Lab 232 Green take from Lab Elected councillor: Helen Toft Overall Composition following 2019 elections: Liberal Democrat 12 Labour 8 Conservative 4 Independents 3 Green 2 Boundary ChangesBoundary Changes come into effect for the 2024 elections. Weymouth Town Council will lose 4 councillors, with 25 seats instead of 29. The new wards are as follows: Broadway Upwey and Wey Valley 3 councillors Electorate: 5,202 Littlemoor 2 councillors Electorate: 3,728 Preston and Sutton Poyntz 3 councillors Electorate: 4,301 Radipole 2 councillors Electorate: 3,747 Lodmoor 2 councillors Electorate: 3,529 Melcombe Regis 2 councillors Electorate: 3,970 Westham West 3 councillors Electorate: 5,385 Westham East 2 councillors Electorate: 3,316 Rodwell 2 councillors Electorate: 4,221 Chapplehay and Harbourside 2 councillors Electorate: 3,932 Wyke Regis 2 councillors Electorate: 3,462 Full details of the changes including a map can be found here.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 17, 2023 5:13:57 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 17, 2023 5:13:57 GMT
Portland Town Council
Portland Town Council has 14 councillors representing 3 wards. There are no boundary changes in 2024.
Portland Tophill East 4 seat ward.
Portland Tophill East was uncontested at the 2019 elections.
The elected councillors were: Sara Ann Harpley (Green), Paul Ralph Kimber (Lab), Ray Nowak (Lab), Pete Roper (Lab).
A by election in May 2021 saw Sheila Miles (Lab) elected unopposed in lieu of Sara Ann Harpley (Lab take from Green).
Portland Tophill West 6 seat ward.
Portland Tophill West was uncontested at the 2019 elections.
The elected councillors were: Catherine Maria Atkins (Lab), Susan Cocking (Ind), James George Draper (Lab), Charlie Flack (Ind), Giovanna Lewis (Lab), David Stanley Thurston (Ind).
Portland Underhill 4 seat ward.
2019 result: Ind 498/202, Lab 392/257/244/230
Elected councillors: Rob Hughes (Ind), Sandy West (Lab), Carralyn Paula Parkes (Lab), Bernard Edward Parkes (Lab).
By election April 2022 in lieu of Robert Hughes: Lab 194, Con 189 (Lab take from Ind).
Overall composition following 2019 elections:
Labour 9 Independents 4 Green 1
This concludes the Weymouth and Portland area.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 17, 2023 23:20:03 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 17, 2023 23:20:03 GMT
And on the western end of Dorset...
Chickerell
2 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 6,934 2021 Census Population: 7,817 2011-2021 Population Change: +12.0% Area: 6.03 Square Miles Population Density: 1,296 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 18.5%, 18-64 55.5%, 65 and Above 26.0% Percentage Born Abroad: 4.7% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.2% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Buddhist 0.5% Gender: 51.4% Female, 48.% Male
2019 result: Con 766/542, Ind 564, Green 376, Lib Dem 339/283, Lab 275
Sitting councillors: Jean Dunseith, John Howard Worth
Background: Chickerell is a long, thin ward sitting to the west of Weymouth. At various points, it borders Rodwell and Wyke, Westham, and Radipole to the east, Upwey and Broadwey to the north and north east, and Chisel Bank to the west and north west. The town of Chickerell itself falls at the center of the ward. A largely modern town, Chickerell features a rifle range and two industrial estates. South of Chickerell are two smaller towns, Charlestown and Lanehouse. The remainder of the ward is largely rural with the northern area containing a number of farms. Chickerell was something of a bunfight in 2019, electing one Conservative and one independent councillor, with the other Conservative, the single Green candidate and the top Lib Dem not miles behind. The parishes in the ward are all non-partisan.
Prediction: Finger in the wind, the sitting independents holds his seat and the Conservative seat falls to either the Greens or Lib Dems, largely dependent on where each party targets in this part of the county.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 18, 2023 0:05:49 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 18, 2023 0:05:49 GMT
Chesil Bank
1 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 3,991 2021 Census Population: 3,933 2011-2021 Population Change: -1.50% Area: 42.70 Square Miles Population Density: 92 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 12.7%, 18-64 48.9%, 65 and Above 38.4% Percentage Born Abroad: 6.2% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 0.7% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 0.8% Gender: 52.2% Female, 47.8% Male
2019 result: Con 595, Green 503, Lib Dem 316, Lab 105
Sitting councillor: Mark Brandon Roberts
Background: Chesil Bank covers a huge section of coast between Bridport and Weymouth. It is bordered by Bridport to the west, Chickerell to the east, and Eggardon and Winterborne to the north. The modest and sparsely distributed population mainly live in a series of small villages including Burton Bradstock to the south west, Shipton Gorge to the north west, Litton Cheney to the north Abbotsbury to the south and Langton Herring to the south east. Abbotsbury is home to a swannery which has some tourist appeal. Near to Abbotsbury can be found a monument to Thomas Hardy, Captain of the HMS Victory. The ward only narrowly elected a Conservative councillor in 2019 against strong Green opposition. All parishes in the ward are non-partisan.
Prediction: In the current climate, I would expect a Green gain. This is a likely Green target ward.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 18, 2023 0:44:20 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 18, 2023 0:44:20 GMT
Bridport
3 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 14,627 2021 Census Population: 14,635 2011-2021 Population Change: +0.10% Area: 11.07 Square Miles Population Density: 1,322 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 15.2%, 18-64 50.7%, 65 and Above 34.1% Percentage Born Abroad: 6.0% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.1% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 0.7% Gender: 53.0% Male, 47.0% Female
2019 result: Lib Dem 1,891/1,489/893, Green 1,606, Con 1,172/1,138/1,040, Lab 773/734/630, UKIP 643
Sitting councillors: Sarah Williams, Kelvin Charles Clayton, Dave Bolwell All three also sit on Bridport Town Council. Clayton was the Green Parliamentary candidate for Dorset West in 2019 and will be standing again in 2024.
Background: Bridport is of the larger towns in the western part of Dorset. The ward is bordered by Chesil Bank to the east, Eggardon to the north and north east and Marshwood Vale to the west and north west. Bridport is a town of Saxon origins, and was fortified in the reign of Alfred the Great. From medieval times, rope making has been a major industry. One use of locally produced ropes was for hangings, hence the expression "stabbed with the Bridport Dagger". The population has been stable for the past decade, but is set to rise in the coming years with a sizable development planned to the west of the town center. This development has proved hugely controversial, partly because it lies on a flood plain. To the south of Bridport is West Bay, a small harbour mainly used for fishing boats and tourist trips. West Bay has been occasionally used as a filming location, most notably for the police drama Broadchurch. To the west is the village of Symondsbury and to the north lies the village of Bradpole. The remainder of the northern part of the ward is largely rural with a number of farms. To the extreme north is the village of Pymore, comprising several converted flax mills. The Bridport Ward is represented by two Lib Dem and one Green councillors. Bridport Town Council is partisanly organised and has a Lib Dem majority. It currently covers only the town of Bridport itself, but will expand to the surrounding areas from the 2024 elections. There will be a separate profile for the town council.
Prediction: I expect the ward to return some combination of Green and Lib Dem councillors, with at least one of each. The result partially depends if a deal if done between the two parties, which is certainly a possibility.
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Khunanup
Lib Dem
Portsmouth Liberal Democrats
Posts: 11,552
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Dorset
Dec 18, 2023 2:10:24 GMT
via mobile
Post by Khunanup on Dec 18, 2023 2:10:24 GMT
Chesil Bank1 seat ward.2011 Census Population: 3,991 2021 Census Population: 3,933 2011-2021 Population Change: -1.50% Area: 42.70 Square Miles Population Density: 92 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 12.7%, 18-64 48.9%, 65 and Above 38.4% Percentage Born Abroad: 6.2% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 0.7% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 0.8% Gender: 52.2% Female, 47.8% Male 2019 result: Con 595, Green 503, Lib Dem 316, Lab 105 Background: Chesil Bank covers a huge section of coast between Bridport and Weymouth. It is bordered by Bridport to the west, Chickerell to the east, and Eggardon and Winterborne to the north. The modest and sparsely distributed population mainly live in a series of small villages including Burton Bradstock to the south west, Shipton Gorge to the north west, Litton Cheney to the north Abbotsbury to the south and Langton Herring to the south east. Abbotsbury is home to a swannery which has some tourist appeal. Near to Abbotsbury can be found a monument to Thomas Hardy, Captain of the HMS Victory. The ward only narrowly elected a Conservative councillor in 2019 against strong Green opposition. All parishes in the ward are non-partisan. Prediction: In the current climate, I would expect a Green gain. This is a likely Green target ward. You forgot the sitting councillor on this one (I happen to know him so particularly noticed!).
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Post by peterl on Dec 18, 2023 2:13:53 GMT
You forgot the sitting councillor on this one (I happen to know him so particularly noticed!). So I did, updated.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 20, 2023 3:01:14 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 20, 2023 3:01:14 GMT
Eggardon
1 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 5,105 2021 Census Population: 5,298 2011-2021 Population Change: +3.70% Area: 55.50 Square Miles Population Density: 95 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 17.9%, 18-64 52.6%, 65 and Above 29.5% Percentage Born Abroad: 5.5% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.5% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 1.0% Gender: 52.0% Female, 48.0% Male
2019 result: Con 735, Green 362, Lib Dem 271, Lab 162
Sitting councillor: Anthony Paul Robin Alford
Background: Eggardon is another of Dorset's several large, sparsely populated wards and occupies the majority of the space between Bridport and Dorchester. It borders Bridport and the western parts of Chesil Bank to the south, Marshwood Vale to the west, Beaminster to the north west, Yetminster to the north, Chalk Valleys to the north east and Charminster St. Mary's to the east. There are no sizable settlements in Eggardon. Some of the villages in the ward include Salway Ash at the west of the ward which is home to a locally popular ice cream brand, Tollerford to the east and Frome St. Quintin, which has likely been inhabited since Roman times, to the north. The Conservatives won the ward's single seat by a moderate majority in 2019. The parishes in the ward are all non-partisan.
Prediction: This is a ward the Tories could hold if they are having only a moderately bad night. On a really bad night for the blue team, the ward could be winnable by either the Greens or Lib Dems, though vote splitting between the two could enable the Conservatives to squeeze in the middle. This could end up as a three way marginal.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 20, 2023 3:46:55 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 20, 2023 3:46:55 GMT
Beaminster
Sweet Be'mi'ster, that bist a-bound, By green and woody hills all round, Wi' hedges, reachèn up between, A thousand vields o' zummer green. William Barnes
1 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 4,107 2021 Census Population: 4,258 2011-2021 Population Change: +3.60% Area: 14.62 Square Miles Population Density: 291 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 18.0%, 18-64 59.4%, 65 and Above 22.6% Percentage Born Abroad: 5.7% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.0% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 0.6% Gender: 52.0% Female, 48.0% Male
2019 result: Con 678, Lib Dem 532, Green 141, Lab 63
Sitting councillor: Rebecca Knox Knox was the leader of the old Dorset County Council from 2017 until its abolition in 2019.
Background: Beaminster would rank as moderate for size as Dorset wards go, and has a relatively low population density. It borders Eggardon to the south, Marshwood Vale to the west, Somerset to the north and Yetminster to the west. Beaminster is also the name of the ward's main settlement, and sits close to the southern boundary. The town is about 5 miles north of Bridport, and the repeated cancellation and restoration of the bus service between the two is an issue of some local concern. The town dates to Saxon times and linen and wool production were major local industries for some centuries. Clippers Tea and a DuPont factory are major local employers today. Beaminster was also a location for part of John Wyndham's Day of the Triffids. The ward's one seat was won by the Conservatives with a modest majority in 2019. All parish councils in the ward are non-partisan.
Prediction: In the current political climate, I would expect a Lib Dem gain.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 20, 2023 4:49:19 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 20, 2023 4:49:19 GMT
Yetminster
1 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 4,704 2021 Census Population: 4,911 2011-2021 Population Change: +4.30% Area: 46.69 Square Miles Population Density: 105 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 15.0%, 18-64 51.4%, 65 and Above 33.7% Percentage Born Abroad: 6.6% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.2% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 1.1% Gender: 50.4% Female, 49.6% Male
2019 result: Con 910, Lib Dem 611, UKIP 200
Sitting councillor: Mary Penfold
Background: Yetminster is another of those large wards with a small and spread out population. The ward borders Somerset to the north west, Sherborne Rural to the north east, Chalk Valleys to the south east, Eggardon to the south, and Beaminster to the east. Yetminster itself is a small village virtually on the Somerset border which goes back to the Saxon era. It is one of very few villages in Dorset with a railway station. Another notable village is Longburton to the north west, which has a wide range of historical associations including Edward Seymour, Lord Protector during the minority of King Edward VI and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Yetminster returned a Conservative councillor by a moderate majority in 2019. Especially if the Lib Dem face as little competition for the anti-Tory vote as they did last time, they may be able to take the ward.
Prediction: Possible Lib Dem gain on a really bad night for the Conservatives.
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Dorset
Dec 20, 2023 7:12:49 GMT
Post by yellowperil on Dec 20, 2023 7:12:49 GMT
Yetminster1 seat ward.2011 Census Population: 4,704 2021 Census Population: 4,911 2011-2021 Population Change: +4.30% Area: 46.69 Square Miles Population Density: 105 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 15.0%, 18-64 51.4%, 65 and Above 33.7% Percentage Born Abroad: 6.6% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.2% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 1.1% Gender: 50.4% Female, 49.6% Male 2019 result: Con 910, Lib Dem 611, UKIP 200 Sitting councillor: Mary Penfold Background: Yetminster is another of those large wards with a small and spread out population. The ward borders Somerset to the north west, Sherborne Rural to the north east, Chalk Valleys to the south east, Eggardon to the south, and Beaminster to the east. Yetminster itself is a small village virtually on the Somerset border which goes back to the Saxon era. It is one of very few villages in Dorset with a railway station. Another notable village is Longburton to the north west, which has a wide range of historical associations including Edward Seymour, Lord Protector during the minority of King Edward VI and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Yetminster returned a Conservative councillor by a moderate majority in 2019. Especially if the Lib Dem face as little competition for the anti-Tory vote as they did last time, they may be able to take the ward. Prediction: Possible Lib Dem gain on a really bad night for the Conservatives. You don't mention one of Yetminster's greatest claims to fame. I believe one of my all time favourite bands hails from, and is named after, Yetminster?
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 21, 2023 2:42:21 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 21, 2023 2:42:21 GMT
You don't mention one of Yetminster's greatest claims to fame. I believe one of my all time favourite bands hails from, and is named after, Yetminster? No one I've heard of I'm afraid. Up next we have... Sherborne Rural1 seat ward.2011 Census Population: 4,829 2021 Census Population: 4,952 2011-2021 Population Change: +2.50% Area: 42.28 Square Miles Population Density: 117 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 16.4%, 18-64 52.6%, 65 and Above 31.1% Percentage Born Abroad: 5.8% Largest Non-White Group: Asian 1.0% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 0.6% Gender: 51.7% Female, 48.3% Male 2019 result: Lib Dem 902, Con 583, UKIP 204 Sitting councillor: Robin Andrew Shane Legg Legg also sits on Sherborne Town Council. Background: The Sherborne wards are arranged in a donut fashion, with Sherborne Rural forming the rural ring whilst Sherborne East and Sherborne West form the hole in the middle and cover the town itself. Rural is another of those large wards with a small and spread-out population. It borders Yetminster to the south, Blackmore Vale to the south east, Stalbridge and Marnhull to the east, and Somerset to the north and west. There are no sizable settlements in the ward. One curious claim to fame for the area comes from the small village of Bishop's Caundle to the ward's south west, which is listed in Douglas Adams' "The Meaning of Liff", as "An opening gambit before a game of chess whereby the missing pieces are replaced by small ornaments from the mantelpiece." The ward elected a Lib Dem councillor by a reasonable margin in 2019, with Labour failing to stand a candidate. There are no partisanly contested parishes in the ward. Prediction: I would expect a Lib Dem hold, although the ward was not hotly contested in 2019 and the addition of a Labour, Green or independent candidate would probably lead to a closer contest.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 21, 2023 4:22:53 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 21, 2023 4:22:53 GMT
Sherborne East
1 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 4,672 2021 Census Population: 4,389 2011-2021 Population Change: -6.20% Area: 0.88 Square Miles Population Density: 4,973 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 15.0%, 18-64 46.6%, 65 and Above 38.4% Percentage Born Abroad: 9.4% Largest Non-White Group: Asian 1.9% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Muslim 1.3% Gender: 54.6% Female, 45.4% Male
2019 result: Lib Dem 842, Con 615, UKIP 122, Green 120
Sitting councillor: Jon Andrews Jon Andrews also sits on Sherborne Town Council
Background: Sherborne is one of the larger towns in the western part of Dorset with over 10,000 people living over its two wards. The population overall has declined slightly in the past decade in the East Ward whilst climbing substantially in the West Ward. Sherborne features a high population density, and significantly more people born abroad than is common for Dorset. The East ward in particular has an above average proportion of older people. The name of the town comes from Old English meaning "clear stream". There are a remarkable amount of historically significant buildings in the town, with some 378 listed structures. Sherborne Abbey is amongst the most notable historic buildings in Dorset, originally built as a cathedral in the 8th century. Sherborne is a town that more often than not favours the Lib Dems, and both wards have Lib Dem councillors at present. Labour did not stand in either ward in 2019, if they were to in 2024 this may make Sherborne slightly more challenging for Team Orange. The Town Council is partisan and has a Lib Dem majority. It will be the subject of a separate profile.
Prediction: In the current climate, I would expect a Lib Dem hold.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 21, 2023 4:29:40 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 21, 2023 4:29:40 GMT
Sherborne West
1 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 4,851 2021 Census Population: 5,972 2011-2021 Population Change: +21.0% Area: 1.69 Square Miles Population Density: 3,515 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 27.6%, 18-64 44.7%, 65 and Above 27.4% Percentage Born Abroad: 8.7% Largest Non-White Group: Asian 2.0% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Buddhist 0.7% Gender: 52.8% Female, 47.2% Male
2019 result: Lib Dem 759, Con 538, Green 119
Elected councillor: Matt Hall
Matt Hall resigned in May 2023 after moving to Devon.
June 2023 By Election: Lib Dem 559, Con 489, Lab 81
Elected councillor: Richard Henry Geoffrey Crabb Richard Crabb also sits on Sherborne Town Council.
See Sherborne East for background on the town.
Prediction: The 2023 by election shows that Labour putting up a candidate, even with a weak performance, is enough to make the ward close. However, at scheduled elections with more seats to find candidates for, Labour might well not be on the ballot. On balance, the ward leans Lib Dem and is a probable hold in the current climate.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 21, 2023 5:17:42 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 21, 2023 5:17:42 GMT
Marshwood Vale
1 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 4,484 2021 Census Population: 4,562 2011-2021 Population Change: +1.70% Area: 50.53 Square Miles Population Density: 90 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 13.1%, 18-64 49.4%, 65 and Above 37.4% Percentage Born Abroad: 4.7% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 0.9% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 1.0% Gender: 51.1% Female, 48.9% Male
2019 result: Con 752, Ind 595, Green 308, Lib Dem 187, Lab 85
Sitting councillor: Simon John Christopher
Background: Marshwood Vale is another of Dorset's huge sprawling wards extending in along a north-south axis bordering Bridport to the south east, Eggardon to the west, Beaminster to the north west, Somerset to the north, Devon to the west, and Lyme and Charmouth to the south west. I believe it is the only Dorset Council, certainly the only one I've profiled so far, to border two different counties. The ward includes Chideock, an ancient village that was the site of the execution of four Catholic martyrs in the last 16th century, Broadwindsor in the north east where King Charles I once stayed overnight following the Battle of Worcester, and Thorncombe to the north west, a small village where my maternal grandmother was evacuated during the war. The ward voted Conservative by a fairly modest margin in 2019. Independent Jacqui Sewell, who only narrowly lost out last time, had an address in Broadwindsor. All parishes in the ward are non-partisan.
Prediction: If Sewell she stands again, there is a good chance she would be successful. Failing this, the Conservatives might be able to hold the ward.
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 21, 2023 5:38:03 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 21, 2023 5:38:03 GMT
Lyme and Charmouth
1 seat ward.
2011 Census Population: 5,023 2021 Census Population: 5,079 2011-2021 Population Change: +1.10% Area: 3.03 Square Miles Population Density: 1,676 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 13.2%, 18-64 45.8%, 65 and Above 41.0% Percentage Born Abroad: 6.1% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.0% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 0.7% Gender: 53.0% Male, 47.0% Female
2019 result: Con 756, Ind 571, Green 317, Lab 239
Elected councillor: Daryl Whane Turner
Daryl Turner resigned in February 2022.
April 2022 By Election: Green 594, Con 359, Ind 320, Lab 82. Green gain from Con. The independent was the same on both occasions.
Elected councillor: Belinda Bowden
Background: Lyme and Charmouth is a fairly small and reasonable densely populated ward at the south west corner of Dorset. The ward's main town of Lyme Regis was a major port in medieval times, but today only hosts fishing boats and small tourist craft. Lyme has a rich cultural history, being the setting for John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman and part of Jane Austin's Persuasion and having been used as a location in film adaptations of both of these novels. More recently, it was also used as a filming location for the film Wonka. Lyme Regis has also been associated for some time with fossil hunting and was the site of Mary Annings work. Charmouth is a village a short way to the east of Lyme on the road towards Bridport. Lyme and Charmouth is one of many areas especially in the western parts of Dorset that have been gradually moving away from the Tories. The Town Council, which will have its own profile in time, is probably rivaled in Dorset only by Ferndown for its reputation as a nexus of discord and instability.
Prediction: Leans Green, especially if the Lib Dems once again stand aside.
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batman
Labour
Posts: 9,021
Member is Online
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Dorset
Dec 21, 2023 9:00:43 GMT
Post by batman on Dec 21, 2023 9:00:43 GMT
now which ward did Reginald Perrin "disappear" in? He considered briefly renaming himself Timothy Lyme-Regis or Barry Bridport........
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Post by yellowperil on Dec 21, 2023 14:47:32 GMT
Yetminster1 seat ward.2011 Census Population: 4,704 2021 Census Population: 4,911 2011-2021 Population Change: +4.30% Area: 46.69 Square Miles Population Density: 105 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 15.0%, 18-64 51.4%, 65 and Above 33.7% Percentage Born Abroad: 6.6% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.2% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 1.1% Gender: 50.4% Female, 49.6% Male 2019 result: Con 910, Lib Dem 611, UKIP 200 Sitting councillor: Mary Penfold Background: Yetminster is another of those large wards with a small and spread out population. The ward borders Somerset to the north west, Sherborne Rural to the north east, Chalk Valleys to the south east, Eggardon to the south, and Beaminster to the east. Yetminster itself is a small village virtually on the Somerset border which goes back to the Saxon era. It is one of very few villages in Dorset with a railway station. Another notable village is Longburton to the north west, which has a wide range of historical associations including Edward Seymour, Lord Protector during the minority of King Edward VI and explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. Yetminster returned a Conservative councillor by a moderate majority in 2019. Especially if the Lib Dem face as little competition for the anti-Tory vote as they did last time, they may be able to take the ward. Prediction: Possible Lib Dem gain on a really bad night for the Conservatives. You don't mention one of Yetminster's greatest claims to fame. I believe one of my all time favourite bands hails from, and is named after, Yetminster? Okay, as I you see you claim not to have heard of the band in question, I was talking about the Yetties. So in my world that's a bit like saying you haven't heard of the Beatles. Folk group, late twentieth century. My last album I have of theirs ( dated 1997) admittedly had a lot of Morris music(!) on it, as they got more and more into "pure" folk,when other groups I could name were moving towards Rock or Pop, so maybe that's not to everybody's taste. I have kept my musical tastes to myself up to now, but heigh ho I'm leaving, so who cares?
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peterl
Green
Monarchic Technocratic Localist
Posts: 8,256
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Dorset
Dec 22, 2023 2:26:58 GMT
Post by peterl on Dec 22, 2023 2:26:58 GMT
You don't mention one of Yetminster's greatest claims to fame. I believe one of my all time favourite bands hails from, and is named after, Yetminster? Okay, as I you see you claim not to have heard of the band in question, I was talking about the Yetties. So in my world that's a bit like saying you haven't heard of the Beatles. Folk group, late twentieth century. My last album I have of theirs ( dated 1997) admittedly had a lot of Morris music(!) on it, as they got more and more into "pure" folk,when other groups I could name were moving towards Rock or Pop, so maybe that's not to everybody's taste. I have kept my musical tastes to myself up to now, but heigh ho I'm leaving, so who cares? Fascinating. I was sorry to hear you are leaving, hope everything is okay. Next up is... Charminster St. Mary's1 seat ward.2011 Census Population: 4,760 2021 Census Population: 5,165 2011-2021 Population Change: +8.20% Area: 24.04 Square Miles Population Density: 215 Per Square Mile Population by Age: Under 18 18.6%, 18-64 54.8%, 65 and Above 26.6% Percentage Born Abroad: 5.6% Largest Non-White Group: Mixed 1.1% Largest Non-Christian Religion: Other 0.7% Gender: 51.9% Male, 48.1% Female 2019 result: Lib Dem 846, Con 472, Ind 176, Lab 88 Sitting councillor: David Taylor Background: Charminster St. Mary's is a medium sized ward by Dorset's standards with a modest sparsely distributed population, although the population has grown by a notable amount in the past decade. It borders Chalk Valleys to the north, Puddletown and Lower Winterborne to the east, Winterborne and Broadmayne to the south, Eggardon to the west, and circles round the northern part of the three Dorchester wards. The village of Charminster itself sits just to the west of Dorchester and is named for a minster church sitting by the River Cerne. Whilst there are no even moderate sized towns in the ward, another settlement slightly larger than some is Stanford, lying just to the east of Dorchester. Stinsford is the site of the church where writer Thomas Hardy was baptised. The ward voted Lib Dem by a sizable margin in 2019. All parishes in the ward are non-partisan. Prediction: Safe Lib Dem hold.
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