Boston Council's meeting on 21 July 2025 saw Councillor Dale Broughton elected as the new leader of the council following a motion to remove Councillor Anne Dorrian from the position, and the approval of budget adjustments for the capital programme. The council also discussed the annual treasury report and the allocation of seats on committees.

Leadership Change

A motion was proposed by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Callum Butler to remove Councillor Anne Dorrian as leader of Boston Borough Council. The motion stated that Councillor Dorrian had lost significant support from the Boston Independent Group and could no longer fulfil the function on behalf of the council.

Councillor Emma Creswell opposed the motion, stating that it was based on inaccurate information and that Councillor Dorrian had secured significant external support for the council. Councillor David Middleton criticised councillors for what he saw as disloyalty to Councillor Dorrian, while Councillor Jonathan Noble suggested the group may have been looking for a more collegiate style of leadership.

Councillor Dorrian spoke in her own defence, criticising those who had conspired against her and accusing them of being motivated by financial inducements. She also proposed a recorded vote on the motion.

The vote was carried with 21 votes for, three against, and four abstentions.

Following the vote, Councillor Mike Gilbert nominated Councillor Broughton as the new leader of the council, and this was seconded. Councillor Dorrian criticised Councillor Broughton's leadership style and the circumstances of his election.

A recorded vote was again requested and carried. Councillor Broughton was elected as the new leader of Boston Borough Council with 21 votes for, four against, and three abstentions.

Councillor Broughton thanked the council for electing him and Councillor Dorrian for her time as leader.

Boston Borough Council 24/25 Outturn Report

The council approved budget adjustments for the capital programme, re-phasing £5.38 million from the 2024/25 financial year to 2025/26. The adjustments were recommended to ensure that the capital programme reflected the latest expenditure commitments and to allow key schemes to proceed. These schemes fall under the headings of the Levelling Up Partnership, the Towns Fund and the Boston Partnerships Fund.

Councillor Peter Bedford raised concerns about the Boston United grant for the new stadium additions, seeking clarification on when the money would be handed over. The director of finance said that final arrangements were being made.

Annual Treasury Report 2024/25

The council received and approved the Annual Treasury Report 2024/25, as required by the Local Government Act 2003¹. The report stated that the council had done well in terms of returns, with a surplus of £700,000.

Councillor Jonathan Noble noted that treasury investment balances were up by nearly £6 million, and the net investment position was £710,000. However, he also noted that property fund distributions were down on what was projected, and there had been a loss on the property fund since purchase of over £2 million.

Allocation of Seats Review

The council approved a revised allocation of seats and appointments to committees, panels and working groups. This was required due to recent changes to the political makeup of the council. Councillor Paul Gleeson said that he did not want to be on the Chief Officer's Employment Panel, and Councillor Stephen Woodliffe agreed to replace him.

Exclusion of Public and Press

The council resolved to exclude the public and press from the meeting for the following item of business, relating to a pay structure for officers in shared partnership roles. This was because it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 4 of part 1 of schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972².

Delegated Decisions

The council noted the following delegated decisions:

• Private Hire Licence Number 23/PHD197 - Granted to Mr Neil Taylor.
• Private Hire Licence Number 23/PHV01 - Granted to Mr Zhahed Younis T/A Acorn Contract and Hire Ltd.
• Hackney Carriage Licence Number 23/HCV97 - Granted to Mr Zhahed Younis T/A Acorn Contract & Hire Ltd.
• Private Hire Licence Number - Granted to Phil Haines Coached Limited.
• Award of Levelling Up Partnership Scheme Programme Funds to the Boston Voluntary Centre Charity for the Purpose of Renovating the Len Medlock Centre - Approved award of £184,221 in Levelling Up Partnership funds to the Boston Volunteer Centre Charity.