The Independents say it’s nonsensical for Cllr Whitehouse to suggest the leader of the council should not accept the role (it's only 5% of his working hours, they say), adding that it will provide a voice in some of the most important forums in British politics for Isle of Wight issues.
A number of countryside partners have expressed an interest in taking on countryside management now the council finds itself in dismal financial straits.
Almost 3,000 signatures were collected calling on the Isle of Wight council to act and serve an urgent works notice on the owners of the former hospital in East Cowes.