Judging by a thread of emails between Isle of Wight councillors and officers, seen by OnTheWight, a possible ‘vote of no confidence’ in the administration could be brought to the next full council meeting.
Yesterday (Wednesday) officers wrote to all councillors consulting them on the possibility of cancelling the September full council meeting.
The only formal item on the agenda was the budget review and this has been postponed until October to allow more time “to undertake the detailed work required for the report”.
Motion of ‘no confidence’
However, Cllr Chris Whitehouse replied to all saying he was “considering putting down a Motion of ‘No Confidence in the Labour-Backed Independent Administration’ for the September meeting”.
He was keen to know whether the meeting could still go ahead if a motion was submitted.
Missed opportunity
This motion clashes with previous position of the Conservative group of councillors.
Earlier this year, the Conservatives, along with support from UKIP and the Independent Members Group (IMG) had the opportunity to overthrow the administration and take control of the council.
Despite their outspoken criticism of the Independent administration, the Conservative councillors made no attempt to take on the leadership. Actions that resulted in them being branded ‘spineless’ by the Labour councillor, Geoff Lumley.
Political courage absent
Later that evening, Cllr Lumley replied,
“Such a Motion would require political courage – something significantly absent from the Con-dependent majority on this Council over the last year.
“Still a very fair point about the deadline for Motions, including yours, not having been reached yet. A premature call by the Chair.”
Executive meeting tonight
Councillors wishing to ask questions of an executive member were reminded they could do so at tonight’s (Thursday) Executive meeting.
Neither the Leader, nor Cllr Julia Baker-Smith would be present.
OnTheWight contacted Cllr Whitehouse and will update once we hear back from him. We received an auto-response from his email saying he was unavailable.
Article edit
Reply by Clr Lumley added.
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