The parish was formerly part of the Purbeck local government district and now lies within the unitary authority of Dorset.

It is within the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency of the House of Commons.

Prior to Brexit in 2020, it was in the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.

[1] The electoral ward is also called St. Martin, and includes Holton Heath with the surrounding countryside.

[2] To the north lies Gore Heath, part of Wareham Forest, which is the subject of a controversial proposal for gravel extraction.