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Dorchester Town Council
We are the parish authority for the county town of Dorset. There has been a history of local government in the town since Anglo Saxon times and Dorchester has been the county town since 1305. It has elected a mayor since 1629. The Town Council was created in 1974.
The town has a population of around 20,000, which continues to grow quickly with the expansion of Dorchester at Poundbury and Brewery Square. The Town Council provides a range of community and recreational facilities, and promotes the town's interests with the other statutory bodies that operate in the town, notably the Dorset Council.
The Town Council has 20 members in five wards, elected for a period of 5 years. Elections to the Town Council took place on 2 May 2024 and the results can be found here.
Mayor of Dorchester
Councillor Andy Canning will serve as Mayor for the Council year until 18th May 2026. Andy will be supported by the Mayoress, Mel Lane, and Councillor Robin Potter as Deputy Mayor.
Each year the Mayor of Dorchester chooses charities to promote and raise funds for. This year Andy has chosen Parkinson’s Dance Group, Space Youth Project and the Dorchester Disabled Club.
If you would like to invite the Mayor to an event that you are organising please download a Mayoral Engagement form or contact Georgina Wakely, the Mayor's Secretary.
- Mayor's engagements for the forthcoming week
Watch Andy's Mayor Making Ceremony here