Cllr Jon Andrews announces personal decision to step down from Cabinet role

A senior Dorset councillor has announced he will step down from his Cabinet role after July’s meetings, citing personal reasons.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said he had made a considered personal decision to step down following July’s Cabinet and Full Council meetings. Place Services covers services residents rely on every day, including roads, waste and recycling, transport and environmental services.

Cllr Andrews has held the role since May 2024, overseeing work across key frontline services, including maintaining Dorset’s strong recycling performance, supporting improvements to local transport and roads, and helping communities recover from severe weather and flooding. He will continue to serve his community as local councillor for Sherborne East.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “After a great deal of thought and reflection, I’ve made the personal decision to step down from my role, and I’m having to relinquish my position due to personal issues. This has not been an easy decision, but it is the right one for me.

“It has been a real privilege to serve as Cabinet Member for Place Services over the past two-plus years. This role is at the heart of life in Dorset - from the condition of our roads, to how people recycle, to how residents travel and feel safe in their communities.

“I’m proud of what has been delivered during this time. We’ve supported improvements to local transport, helped shape long-term plans to make journeys safer and more reliable, and worked closely with communities following severe weather to strengthen resilience for the future.

“This decision is about taking the right step personally at this time. The work across Place Services will continue with the same strong teams, focus and commitment to residents. I will be handing over to my successor in early September and will be available to offer any advice and guidance I can to support a smooth transition.

“I want to thank all the staff I’ve had dealings with over the two-plus years I’ve been Cabinet Member, especially the Executive Director, Jan Britton, and his corporate directors. I would also like to thank my Cabinet colleagues and fellow councillors from all sides of the chamber.

“Finally, I want to thank my wife Jane for her support over these two very short years. I remain proud of what has been achieved and wish everyone involved every success as this work continues.”

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Jon for the incredible commitment, passion and expertise he has brought to this role. He hasn’t just held the portfolio - he has lived it day in, day out. From roads and transport through to waste and environmental services, Jon has been deeply invested in making sure these services work for our residents and our communities.

“He has always been focused on doing things the right way; supporting our staff, driving high standards, and ensuring our work aligns with the council’s priorities while delivering real, practical outcomes for people across Dorset. His knowledge and hands-on approach have made a genuine difference.

“While I’m sorry to see him step down from Cabinet, I fully respect his decision and am grateful for everything he has given in this role. I look forward to continuing to work with him as a dedicated local member, and I wish him all the very best.”

July’s Cabinet and Full Council meetings will be the last that Cllr Andrews attends in his role as Cabinet Member for Place Services. A successor will be announced in due course, in time for September’s meetings.