VIKKI Slade is off to Westminster as she has been elected as Mid Dorset and North Poole’s MP. 

The Liberal Democrat won 21,442 votes against Tory former illegal immigration minister Michael Tomlinson’s 20,090 votes. 

At present, Mrs Slade has not stood down as BCP Council’s leader – a position she has held since the local elections two Mays ago. 

It’s understood discussions will be held in the coming days about the future of her leadership, but she has previously stated she will remain as a councillor for Broadstone until the next set of elections. 

Mrs Slade said: “I am extremely proud to have been elected as Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole. 

“To avoid any confusion, it’s important to state that I currently remain leader of BCP Council.

“Over the next few days, I will work with the council’s leadership team to determine next steps and we will provide a further update with more details on this as soon as possible.

“Please rest assured that the normal business of running of the council will remain unaffected at this time and my focus is to ensure that the best interests of the council, its residents and its businesses will be at the forefront of our discussions.”

BCP Council's spokeswoman said it will be business as usual for the time being.

She said: “Council officers and cabinet are working through how this appointment may impact the council going forward. We will provide a further update in due course.

“Council services will, of course, continue as usual.”

Results for Mid Dorset and North Poole: 

John Dowling, Social Democratic Party: 1,061 

Candice Johnson-Cole, Labour: 4,566 

Ben Pantling, Green Party: 2,355 

Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat: 21,442 

Michael Tomlinson, Conservative: 20,090