THE sudden resignation of Poole's livewire tourism boss has shocked his colleagues.

Graham Shaw returned from holiday and two days later announced to stunned colleagues that he was leaving the council immediately.

Head of the Borough of Poole's communications and tourism, he had worked for the council for around 14 years.

He moved to Poole from Southampton City Council and has served local government for most of his working life.

Among many innovations the flamboyant, sometimes controversial character introduced to the town was the popular Longest Summer festival and a host of fun special events.

Never short of bright ideas, a few weeks ago he was charging across Upton Heath holding onto a llama for a tourism film, and organising a brochure on the more unusual activities available in Poole.

Among campaigns of which he was proud was the creative 2001 "Who is Jules Jolliffe?" teaser, aimed at getting people interested in a deciding a political structure for the council.

With posters on buses and newspaper ads, the campaign to choose between directly elected mayor with cabinet, leader with cabinet and directly elected mayor with a council manager, was slowly revealed.

A total of 28,485 Poole residents, 26.4 per cent of the population, took part in the postal survey, the highest known response to the issue in England.

Paying tribute to him, policy director Bernie Topham said: "Graham's flair and fresh approach during his time with the Borough of Poole have meant that he has made a tremendous contribution, both to the town and to the council.

"His enthusiastic support to working with the tourism panel in building Poole as a visitor destination and the creativity of campaigns that he has inspired for tourism and corporate communications are a vibrant legacy. We all wish Graham well in his new ventures."

He is understood to be pursuing his own business interests.

First published: October 3