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Julia Baker-Smith

Julia Baker-Smith is the Isle of Wight county councillor for Whippingham and Osborne.

She was elected in 2013 and became Executive member for Planning and Housing in January 2016.

In January 2017, Cllr Baker-Smith was elected as Leader of the Group of Island Independent councillors.

In May 2018 Julia joined the Labour Party in and in April 2019 stepped down.

Below are some articles that feature Cllr Baker-Smith.

luisa hillard and julian critchley - candidate for whippingham and osborne

13, May 2019·1 min read

Labour announces candidate for Osborne and Whippingham seat on Isle of Wight council

The by-election has been prompted by the resignation of previous Labour councillor, Julia Baker-Smith.

26, April 2019·2 min read

Isle of Wight councillor explains why they are standing down

The councillor explains why they no longer feel able to devote the time and energy to their ward here on the Island.

12, December 2018·1 min read

Hawthorn Meadows East Cowes application: Committee give their planning decision

The controversial development of 96-beds - previously branded 'un-neighbourly' - in the Whippingham / East Cowes area received its Isle of Wight council decision last night.

9, August 2018·1 min read

Councillor disappointed her personal life is ‘under constant scrutiny’

Cllr Baker Smith said she’d be splitting her time between the Isle of Wight and Manchester, adding she’s disappointed that her personal life is ‘under constant scrutiny’, something not applied to working fathers on the council.

18, July 2018·4 min read

Isle of Wight CCG pledge to improve following ‘vote of no confidence’ (updated)

After a 'vote of no confidence' in the Isle of Wight CCG by Policy and Scrutiny members, the organisation which plans and funds NHS services say they'll improve and will involve local people.

12, July 2018·1 min read

Green light to pay Jay Jayasundara another £70,000 for PFI savings

As revealed by OnTheWight back in March, Jay Jayasundara has already been back on the Isle of Wight since the beginning of the year examining the Highways PFI contract he was paid handsomely to create.

12, July 2018·2 min read

Isle of Wight council spend over £1.5m on agency staff

Between May 2017 and May 2018, the Isle of Wight Council spent £1,526,816 on agency staff across the authority — but particularly within the mental health team, and children’s services.

26, June 2018·1 min read

Labour question ‘wisdom’ and ‘lack of transparency’ over £400k pa restructure

The Isle of Wight Labour Party have 'questioned the wisdom' of Isle of Wight council recruiting more senior managers when, they do not even have the staff to answer calls from residents.

7, June 2018·2 min read

Isle of Wight Studio School the ‘latest casualty of under-funding’, says councillor

The academy sponsor and Department for Education say the school is not viable because of a lack of capacity, but the local councillor believes it is just the latest casualty of under-funding from the Government.

County Hall Chamber - Annual Meeting May 2018

17, May 2018·2 min read

From Peace to Outlaw for Isle of Wight Community Safety and Public Protection

As well as a Cabinet reshuffle, the Annual Meeting of the Isle of Wight council saw re-election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman as well as Chairs of the various committees.

16, May 2018·2 min read

Former Indie leader joins Isle of Wight Labour Party

The former Indie leader says she's always been a supporter of progressive politics and "opposed to the Conservative Austerity measures that have so badly impacted Island Services".

19, April 2018·2 min read

Planning row erupts amid claims of ‘East Cowes land grab’

Concerns have been raised by residents and councillors as a planning application for thirty new houses in Whippingham goes out public consultation.

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