In a dramatic and closely contested co-option vote last night, the Green Party secured its second seat on Portland Town Council, with 31-year-old Bradley Plant elected to represent the Underhill ward.
The vacancy drew four candidates:
- Bradley Plant (Green Party)
- Jenny Cooper (Independents for Dorset Party)
- Pam Boyce (Labour Party)
- Andy Matthews (Independent)
What followed was an extraordinary start to proceedings. All four candidates received three votes each—an unprecedented four-way tie that triggered a multi-round elimination process. After several rounds, Bradley emerged as the successful candidate, marking a significant moment for Green representation on the Isle of Portland.
Bradley, who has lived on Portland his entire life, addressed councillors and community members with a speech centred on inclusion, accessibility, and representing residents whose voices often go unheard.
In his address, he said:
“I’ve seen the incredible strength and resilience of our community – but I’ve also seen how deprived and overlooked the area has become… My work with people with disabilities has taught me the importance of listening, patience, and making sure every voice, especially those often unheard, has a place in local decision-making. Inclusion isn’t a slogan; it’s something we need to build into every choice we make as a council.”
He emphasised his desire to bring a younger voice into local democracy and pledged to prioritise community engagement, fairness, and accessibility for all residents.
Cllr Kia Pope, who has served as the sole Green member since last May, will now lead the newly formed Green group on Portland Town Council. He welcomed Bradley’s election, saying:
“Brad’s passion for the island, his commitment to fairness, and his experience supporting vulnerable people will be invaluable to the council. While this is a huge moment for the Green Party on the island, I am extremely grateful to councillors who stepped over party lines last night. Their decision reflects the special nature of Portland and our ability to do things differently; we are all stronger when we work together.”
Cllr Pope highlighted the local party’s commitment to running positive, collaborative campaigns designed to deliver practical, community-driven solutions for Portland.
He added:
“While other politicians focus on culture war nonsense, the Green Party’s mission is clear: we will lower your bills, improve your public services and restore the priceless natural world that makes Dorset such an amazing place to be.”
