Julia Baker-Smith

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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