by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Weymouth councillor Ryan Hope has ‘stepped back’ from his Dorset Council Cabinet role.
The Westham councillor will remain on the authority as a ‘back-bench’ councillor.
Council leader, Nick Ireland, said Cllr Hope had been a valued member of the group of leading councillors and had brought “real passion to how this council connects with residents,” and put people at the heart of what the council does.
“He has consistently championed better customer experience, stronger community voices and the importance of participation and inclusion in local government.”
He said that on a personal level Cllr Hope had been “a thoughtful and generous colleague, always constructive, and always focused on doing the right thing.”
Cllr Hope’s role, as the Portfolio holder for customer, culture and community engagement, is expected to largely be taken over by another Weymouth councillor, Matt Bell, from the next full council meeting in May, although the council leader said there may be a reorganisation of some Cabinet seats.
Cllr Hope’s decision to stand down from his Cabinet post comes as the council prepares for a significant shift in the way it interacts with the public including a greater use of technology and a re-configuration of customer contact teams.
