The government is planning a major shake-up in the way local government is organised in England, and this includes the possibility of a new ‘Heart of Wessex’ strategic authority with an elected mayor.

If it goes ahead, as seems likely, this Wessex authority would include Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire councils plus the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) unitary authority. The new body would coordinate strategic matters covering these areas, with transport, housing supply and major infrastructure projects a particular focus, though the four existing councils and their services would remain as now.

But where would such an authority and its presumably modestly-staffed headquarters be located?

One possibility is Gillingham.

In a recent meeting with members of Gillingham Town Council the leader of Dorset Council, Councillor Nick Ireland, said a council official worked out that the geographical centre of the proposed new authority would be Shaftesbury. ‘And you’re not very far from Shaftesbury… So who knows…?’ he told Gillingham councillors.

Then at Monday’s full town council meeting in Gillingham, mayor Roger Weeks asked Dorset councillor Carl Woode to make a case for Gillingham to be the hub of any new strategic authority rather than Shaftesbury.

‘If you get the opportunity to speak to [Councillor Ireland]… If there is to be a focal point in North Dorset … then Gillingham, with our access to roads and the railway station… we probably have better options… I’d be grateful if you could sell that for us,’ said Councillor Weeks.

‘I certainly will!’ replied Councillor Woode.

Gillingham Town Council has not debated the issue and has no formal stance on the matter. But speaking in a personal capacity to Gillingham News, both the mayor, Councillor Weeks, and town clerk Julie Hawkins supported the idea of the town being the headquarters of a Wessex strategic authority.

Councillor Weeks pointed to the town’s central location and its transport connections. ‘Being approximately four miles from the A303 trunk road, Gillingham offers excellent connectivity for regional operations,’ he said.

‘The town is supported by a railway station on the Exeter to London Waterloo line, ensuring fast and convenient public transport access for staff, stakeholders, and visitors. Its central position and good transport links make it an accessible meeting point for representatives from across Wessex, ensuring equal representation and participation.’

Julie Hawkins highlighted the planned growth in the town through the southern expansion housing development.

‘The development of the town will make it an emerging economic centre in the South West, making it a natural choice to support the region’s strategic ambitions. With available land and facilities for further development, the town can accommodate the infrastructure and office space required for the authority’s headquarters,’ she said.

Julie Hawkins and the mayor added: ‘Gillingham Town Council is a forward-thinking, politically-independent council with an inclusive and collaborative local governance approach that aligns with the Wessex Strategic Authority’s vision for regional unity.

‘Gillingham’s combination of accessibility, growth, and community focus makes it a good choice for the Wessex strategic authority headquarters.’

Meanwhile Councillor Carl Woode has broadly welcomed the planned new authority even if he worries that a hasty implementation of the idea by the government could cause initial problems.

He told Gillingham News: ‘The most significant change would be that decisions currently made in London would instead be made closer to our town, by an elected mayor whose position depends on the votes of people from the four proposed local authority areas. In this sense, I believe the needs and opinions of the people of Gillingham and North Dorset could, in some respects, carry more weight than they do on the national scale where these decisions are currently made.’

Councillor Woode said: ‘While I think this plan has potential, its success will largely depend on its implementation, which is my primary concern at this stage. The exact processes, powers, and financial arrangements have not yet been settled, and the government is pushing a priority programme to deliver mayoral elections as early as 2026. Although this concept has been under discussion for some time, the speed at which it is now being advanced suggests there may be teething issues as these changes are introduced.’

But ultimately he hoped the government’s plans could release more money for the region. ‘Their long-term goal appears to be the establishment of strategic regions across the entire country. Dorset Council has recognised this trajectory and sees early involvement as an opportunity to shape the framework and maximise potential benefits. Given Dorset Council’s limited funding from central government, there is also hope that joining a strategic region could bring relative financial advantages,’ said Councillor Woode.