COUNCILLOR Spencer Flower has quit as the leader of Dorset County Council.

The 72-year-old of Verwood resigned hours after entering three not guilty pleas through his solicitor at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court to criminal charges of failing to declare interests relating to planning policy in East Dorset. He did not attend the hearing.

Today, a special meeting of Dorset’s full council will elect a new leader, likely to be Cllr Robert Gould, the current deputy leader and leader of West Dorset District Council.

Cllr Gould is also the portfolio holder for corporate resources so if he is elected by the full council today, it could spark a cabinet reshuffle.

Cllr Flower has come under increasing pressure to step down since being charged by police two weeks ago. He previously decided not to resign as leader but chose to ‘stand aside’ allowing Cllr Gould to fulfil his duties.

But concern has been growing among councillors of all parties that this position was untenable and causing damage to the reputation of Dorset County Council and to the Conservative Party, six months away from district and borough elections and the general election, all on May 7. Then at a private meeting on Saturday, fellow Conservative councillors gave him until yesterday to go voluntarily or face being removed by them. Party leaders were keen to avoid that.

One councillor told the Echo last night: “This is for the best. We now need a period of calm and stability. We have some huge issues to deal with.”

Another said: “It’s a shame. Spencer has been a good leader but I am confident Robert will take us forward in dealing with the challenges the council is facing.”

Cllr Flower’s court case will be heard on April 24.

It is unclear whether Cllr Flower will be defending his seat on East Dorset District Council in the elections two weeks later.

If he is suspended from the EDDC Conservative group pending the outcome of the case, he would be unable to stand as an official Conservative candidate.

The case against Cllr Flower has been brought under the Localism Act.

Cllr Flower's wife, Cllr Toni Coombs is the council's cabinet member for both education and communications.