News

Cllr Lou Knight has been a Poole Councillor since 1987 representing the Hamworthy West ward. He currently serves on Hamworthy East / West and Poole Town Area Meetings, the Local Economy Overview Group, Town Centre and Bridge Advisory Group and the Transportation Advisory Group.

He is married with three daughters and formerly worked as a bus driver in Poole before going on to run his own painting and decorating firm.

He said: "It is a great honour to be Mayor of Poole and to be involved with meeting those citizens both voluntary and business who make Poole a fantastic and prosperous town to live in."

Cllr Judy Butt has been a Poole Councillor for Creekmoor, Hillbourne and Waterloo since 1999. Her main committee responsibilities include Education, Licensing and Standards and she is also one of the Borough of Poole's two Council representatives on Dorset Police Authority. Her role as Chairman of the Upton House Liaison Forum looking after one of Poole's most treasured buildings is of very special significance to her.

Mother-of-three Judy, a freelance Legal Advisor has been married to David for 19 years. Away from Council activities her interests include horse racing, thimble collecting and carrying out duties as a Eucharistic Minister at her local church.

She said: "I am honoured and absolutely delighted to have been chosen by my Council peers to take Civic Office as the Sheriff of Poole for the forthcoming year. It is a tremendous privilege and David and I will do all we can to enhance the prestige of this ancient role, whilst ensuring at all times that the dignity and integrity of the office is maintained."

He currently serves on the Canford Heath East/West, Creekmoor and Oakdale Area Meeting, Licensing, Service Provision Scrutiny And Audit Committee and is Chairman of the Transportation Advisory Group.

He said: "I feel very proud to have represented Poole for the past year as Mayor. Some highlights have been working with young people on the trip to Holland to commemorate Operation Market Garden, but especially meeting The Queen in July, whose conversation ranged from dysfunctional families to Tommy Cooper! I am delighted to have been elected to support and promote Poole and it is with great pleasure that I hand over these responsibilities to Cllr Lou Knight and am sure that he will have an equally enjoyable year."