Portland Town Council comprises 14 elected Councillors across three wards. Full scale elections are held 4-yearly. Interim vacancies are filled through co-option or election. The Council elects a Chair and Mayor each year.
A Town Councillor’s main role is first to represent their ward, and then the wider island community, acting as a bridge between community and council.
They should be an advocate for residents, signposting them to the right people for help, and keeping people informed on issues which affect them. Town Councillors can lead on community campaigns to bring welcome change or to prevent damaging initiatives and should be a voice for residents to reach the people who make the decisions which affect them.
The Town Council meets at least once a month, and has a number of committees and working groups which meet in between. Through these meetings, Councillors help to develop the policies and strategies which guide the work of the Council as it seeks to achieve its vision for Portland.
Councillor's attendance at meetings can be found here.
Councillors are bound by a Code of Conduct requiring them to behave in a reasonable and responsible manner and to show respect to everybody else regardless of whether or not they agree with their views. They are also required to conduct all Council business in line with the Council’s Financial Regulations and Standing Orders. Each Councillor declares a Register of Interests at the commencement of his/her term of office and must declare any personal or financial interest relating to any Council activities or decisions.
Cathy Atkins
Tophill West
cllr.cathy.atkins@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07596 451787
I have lived on Portland since 1988.I was a registered nurse and worked in a Weymouth nursing home until I retired in 2007. I am very interested in the NHS.
I have five children and grand children and great grand children. I decided to try and do something for the community in 2017 when Unitary came about in Dorset and stood for Tophill West. I hope I can make a difference.
Member of
Planning, Highways and Licensing Advisory Committee; Services and Facilities Committee;
Andy Carr
Tophill West
cllr.andy.carr@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07979 227365
Further details to follow
Member of
Finance and Governance Committee; IT and Communications Committee; Services and Facilities Committee;
Sue Cocking
Tophill West
cllr.sue.cocking@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07830 971934
As a Portland Town Councillor and a Dorset Councillor for Portland, I have a real passion for this island and the people who live here, especially young people. That's why I was determined that they had their own voice and I initiated the first Portland Youth Council to give our young people aspirations and to think bigger and better for themselves and the community they live in.
I was very honoured and privileged to be the Mayor of Portland for the year 2019/20.
I am the Chair of the Council for 2024/25
Member of
Finance and Governance Committee; Staffing and Training Committee;
Jim Draper
Tophill West
cllr.jim.draper@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 01305 821303
I was born locally and have lived on Portland for over forty years. My children grew up here and attended schools on the island. This is the second time that I have been a Labour member of Portland Town Council for Tophill West having previously served from 1983 to 1991.
I was a keen supporter of the creation of the Portland Community Venue and am proud of the asset that we have created for the Portland Community.
Member of
Finance and Governance Committee; Staffing and Training Committee; Governance Working Group;
Charlie Flack
Tophill West
cllr.charlie.flack@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07845 216915
I have lived on Portland for more than 30 years over which time I have witnessed many changes, some for the better and some not so.
I joined the council in 2015, having retired. I wanted to give something back to the community that I was part of. I was extremely privileged to serve as the Town Mayor between 2017 and 2019.
I am also a volunteer at Southwell Area Living Together (SALT) charity.
Member of
Finance and Governance Committee; Planning, Highways and Licensing Advisory Committee; Staffing and Training Committee; Governance Working Group;
Lucy Hardwicke
Underhill
Cllr.Lucy.Hardwicke@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07340 645 419
I was born locally and have proudly called Portland home since 2015. I care deeply about the future of our island and the opportunities available for local families.
I want to celebrate the creativity and community spirit that make Portland such a special place to live. I strongly believe that a thriving community is built through connection and participation. I will always listen to residents and work hard to support local initiatives and keep Portland a welcoming, vibrant place for everyone.
Member of
Staffing and Training Committee; Services and Facilities Committee;
Rob Hughes
Underhill
cllr.rob.hughes@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk
Having moved to Portland in 2001 with my family I first joined the Town Council in 2010. I was honoured to have been chosen by my fellow councillors to be the Mayor for the Isle and Royal Manor of Portland in 2014-15. A privilege I shall never forget.
As an Independent Dorset and Portland Town councillor only the people of Portland’s concerns will lea me at the council. Because if it matters to you then it matters to me. As well as being a trustee of Portland Museum I have been appointed as Chairman of the Dorset Harbours Advisory Committee at Dorset Council.
Member of
Finance and Governance Committee; Planning, Highways and Licensing Advisory Committee; IT and Communications Committee; Services and Facilities Committee;
Paul Kimber
Tophill East
cllr.paul.kimber@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07801 629648
I have the pleasure of being a Dorset councillor representing Portland on the Dorset Council. I represent Top Hill East on the Portland Town Council.
I bought up my family on Portland working in the old Portland Naval base when it was open.
With my fellow Portland councillors, we run a monthly Councillors Surgery at the Portland Library and we hope you can find the time to come along and meet us on the last Saturday of the month. I have a life time interest in Social Housing for our Portland Community, understanding the many difficulties in trying to get a decent family home. I have just joined the Portland Building Preservation Trust trying to restore our Windmills and hope that we can restore St Peters Church at the Grove.
Lastly, living on this wonderful island, I take a great interest in our environment which needs a great deal of care and understanding.
Member of
Finance and Governance Committee; Services and Facilities Committee;
Sheila Miles
Tophill East
cllr.sheila.miles@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07714 777108
I moved to Portland five years ago, when I retired, and have developed a real passion for the island, its heritage and the people who live here. I wanted to give something back to the community that I am now part of. I believe that equality and accessibility for all are important aspects of our society and will do my best to ensure that any actions taken locally take these into account.
I am also very much in favour of supporting any proposals that support environmental and ecological issues. I am a Trustee of the St George's Centre. I was the Mayor of Portland for 2024/25.
Member of
Planning, Highways and Licensing Advisory Committee; IT and Communications Committee; Services and Facilities Committee; Governance Working Group;
Bradley Plant
Underhill
cllr.bradley.plant@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07494 648232
I've lived on Portland for over 30 years, my dad's side of the family for even longer. I work here and I've made my life here.
My work with people with disabilities has taught me the importance of patience and listening - especially to voices that are often unheard.
I wish to see this island thrive and to see more opportunities for the residents - specifically (but not exclusively) for young people.
Member of
Kia Pope
Underhill
cllr.kia.pope@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07810 578187
Further details to follow
Member of
Biodiversity Working Group; Planning, Highways and Licensing Advisory Committee; Climate Emergency Working Group;
Pete Roper
Tophill East
cllr.pete.roper@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07445 883577
To the best of my ability, I will support the health and wellbeing of the people of Portland. I'm passionate about saving and enhancing the history, culture, and environment of this unique community.
It is a huge honour for me to have been elected by my fellow councillors as Town Mayor for Portland for the 2022/23 year. I’m looking forward to representing Portland at community and civic events as much as possible during the coming year.
Member of
Finance and Governance Committee; IT and Communications Committee; Services and Facilities Committee; Biodiversity Working Group; Climate Emergency Working Group;
Mark Williams
Tophill East
I was born on the island, the son of a prison officer, and went to local schools until, like many young Portlanders, I had to leave to find a career. My parents lived in Park Estate Road for almost 50 years, among the community they so loved.
As a Councillor for Tophill East, I am driven to not only see the community thrive but improve access to housing and transport, and to improve leisure facilities for our young people. I will continue to support Portland Museum as a volunteer.
Member of
Tim Woodcock
Tophill West
cllr.tim.woodcock@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk 07879 912005
I have lived on Portland for 50 years and married a local girl when serving here in the Royal Navy. I am serving as an Independent councillor wanting to be free of party political obligations, this will enable me to be free to vote on what I believe is best for the people I represent. Apart from the Royal navy, I have previous experience of serving as a councillor and have worked for Dorset Council, the prison service, probation and organisations dealing with offenders especially housing issues. With my fellow councillors I am keen to promote the Isle of Portland as the opportunities it has to offer and to continue work to make it a good place to live.
Member of
Planning, Highways and Licensing Advisory Committee; Services and Facilities Committee;