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Richard Priest

Richard Priest was elected in the 2013 Isle of Wight council elections and joined the group of Island Independent councillors.

He was Independent executive member for Children’s services. However, he was sacked from the post by Ian Stephens in September 2014 and then left the Island Independents.

He became Executive member Adult social care and public health in January 2017 under the leadership of Conservative, Dave Stewart.

26, July 2014·1 min read

‘Council had no real choice’ but to give away Cowes Enterprise says Richard Priest

The latest salvo in the disagreement about the Isle of Wight council Executive giving away the freehold of the £32m Cowes Enterprise College to Ormiston Academies Trust.

19, September 2014·1 min read

Another Island Independent leaves the Group (updated)

The news doesn't bode well for the Group of Island Independent councillors who are now done to just 16 members.

8, September 2014·1 min read

Attempt to overthrow Isle of Wight council administration rumoured

OnTheWight has been told that a splinter group of Independent councillors are looking to collaborate with the Conservatives to bring them back to control the council.

10, February 2022·3 min read

Call to return Town Council meetings from six to ten a year thrown out

A change after the election from ten to six meetings a year was challenged at the Town Council meeting on Monday, with a call to improve governance by returning monthly meetings back to ten a year

1, February 2017·2 min read

CCG’s plans to significantly cut funding will have impact on the vulnerable, say Council

The Isle of Wight council say the CCG plan to reduce its funding to support adult social care by over £3.1 million by the beginning of 2018/19.

21, September 2014·3 min read

Cllr Charles Chapman’s resignation: The actual emails and timings

There's been a lot of speculation as to what has and hasn't happened over Cllr Charles Chapman's resignation from the Island Independents. OnTheWight has brought together all of the actual emails and has discovered Cllr Chapman's view on joining the Conservatives.

17, October 2014·2 min read

Cllr Julia Baker-Smith voted as chair of the planning committee

The vote was incredibly close with Independent councillor, Julia Baker Smith, winning by just one vote.

7, June 2013·1 min read

Cllr Richard Priest welcomes 5-day Ofsted inspection at IW council

New councillor says the council assistance to Island schools is 'vitally important', noting 'there are clearly strengths to build on as well as weaknesses to address'.

27, April 2017·3 min read

Cllrs Priest and Gilbey: Police investigation into electoral law breach

The election material of the Shanklin councillors has been investigated and reviewed by senior police within Gold Command. It's been found there "certainly has been a breach" of electoral law.

3, March 2016·3 min read

Council agree £800,000 for new Shanklin cliff lift

The initial scope of the works was to refurbish the Cliff lift motor room and original, 1957, machinery. The programme now incorporates a complete overhaul of the lift cars, pulleys, winches and motor machinery, costing around £800,000.

17, July 2014·3 min read

Council Executive hand over freehold for Cowes Enterprise to Ormiston Academies Trust

The detail behind the decision-making at last night's emergency Executive meeting to agree the transfer of Cowes Enterprise College to Ormiston Academies Trust.

10, September 2014·1 min read

Council leader instigates shake-up of Executive

Following rumours of an attempt to overthrow the council administration, just two days later the leader announces a restructure of the Executive.

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