All for Dorset is call for independent, community-minded people to stand for the elections across Dorset in 2024, with hopes of following in Australia's footsteps.

The group currently has four councillors on the Dorset Council and a number of independent supporters across town and parish councils.

It has been deeply impressed with the success of the teal Independent representatives in the recent Australian election, which saw several election victories against the traditional National and Liberal coalition and Labour party candidates.

The Australian Independents stood on a climate change platform and won seats in former Liberal constituencies in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, successfully canvassing on local, community, grassroots issues.

It is this community activism that All for Dorset Dorchester West, Dorset Council and Dorchester town councillor Les Fry is keen to see taken forward.

Les has been hugely active in his area, helping community groups and organisations to make a positive difference in the town.

He said: "Being non-political means we can work with all political parties to deliver the best for Dorset, to be part of helping to make Dorset a better place, working with other councillors on various committees having a direct input in to what goes on in our country.

"It is especially rewarding helping people to solve housing problems, working to help resolve peoples' issues with Dorset Council. Being a councillor allows access to the latest information and enables direct links to officers.

"We want to see more people coming forward to represent grassroots community activities so that councils are seen as places of action rather than talking shop," he said.