Dorchester Town Clerk to Retire After Decades of Service

Steve Newman, Dorchester's Town Clerk, has announced his retirement, which will take effect in August 2026. The search for his successor will begin in January.

Steve Newman in 2022 - Picture courtesy of Dorset Echo

As Town Clerk, Mr Newman holds the top position at Dorchester Town Council, serving as the council's chief executive and senior adviser to elected members. It's a role that requires deep knowledge of local government, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate significant change and growth.

Mr Newman took up the position in April 2022, bringing twenty years of experience as deputy clerk. His appointment came at a particularly pivotal time for the council, as it oversaw the rapid expansion of Poundbury while managing wider responsibilities across the entirety of Dorchester.

Poundbury Councillor William Gibbons, elected in May 2024, paid tribute to the outgoing clerk: 'As a new councillor, I have found Steve's experience, knowledge and advice to be invaluable and we shall all miss him hugely.'

Mr Newman reflected on his decision to step down: 'It was a hard decision to retire; I have enjoyed working for the Council immensely, seeing the growth of Poundbury and the Council's involvement in that, and its ongoing care of the larger green spaces like the Great Field has been very interesting.'

Dorchester Town Council manages a budget of approximately £1.7 million annually to deliver community and recreational facilities across the town and its population of 22,500 people. Notably, the council receives no direct government grant funding—all money is raised locally. With the majority of this budget devoted to outdoor services and staffing costs, managing significant expansion, green spaces, and community services represents considerable stewardship. It's an achievement that's easy to overlook, and we thank Steve Newman for his dedication and commitment to the role.