Ryan Hope

Being only 20 years of age when I first stood for council, I was continually asked why I wanted to do it and why I was a Liberal Democrat. I joined the Liberal Democrats because they were the only political party I saw working for my community all year round (something that is still the case to this day). I wanted to stand up for our community and work to make it a better place. It was also important to me to ensure there was a young voice in local decision making. 

I was first elected to the Borough of Weymouth & Portland in May 2012. I served for 7 years (re-elected after 4 years) until May 2019 when the council ceased to exist as part of the local government reorganisation plans in Dorset. During my time in office with Weymouth & Portland Council, I represented the Westham North Ward and served on the council's Scrutiny & Policy committees.

In 2019 I was successfully elected to the new Dorset Council for the Westham Division along with fellow Liberal Democrat Councillor Gill Taylor where I currently serve on the Place & Resources overview committee.

I was also elected in 2019 to the new Town Council in the Westham East Ward along with Councillor Alex Fuhrman where I have served on the HR, Finance & Governance and Environment & Services committees of which I am currently the Chairman of.

Away from the council chamber I’m a 31 years old, Father of 2 children and 1 puppy called Rocket who many of my residents will know from our walks.

I support many community organisations working both in Westham such as Westham Community Group and Friends of the Marsh and Weymouth as well as charities further afield.