In the annual full meeting of the Isle of Wight council last night (Wednesday) committee chairs and positions were up for grabs.
As happens every year, places are filled on committees across the council — ranging from scrutiny bodies to decision-making ones.
Corporate scrutiny
Cllr Joe Robertson (Con) was appointed to the role of corporate scrutiny chair — taking over from Labour’s Cllr Richard Quigley.
The leader of the Conservative group had hoped to fill the post last year, but was outvoted.
Planning committee
Taking on the sometimes-difficult role of the chair of the planning committee, Cllr Warren Drew (Con) has stepped up from his former position of vice-chair.
One-vote
Cllr Quigley beat Conservative-nomination Cllr Suzie Ellis (Con) to the chair of the policy and scrutiny committee for children’s services, education and skills, by one vote.
There was some confusion in the council chamber, when Cllr John Nicholson (Con) did not cast his vote for fellow party member Cllr Ellis, and ended up being the deciding vote.
Health and social care
Cllr Nicholson lost the role he had held for six years on the authority, as chair of the policy and scrutiny committee for health and social care, as the vote was tied.
The casting vote fell to Cllr Claire Critchison (Alliance), who voted to support Cllr Michael Lilley (LibDem) who will now fill the role following his move from the Alliance group to the Liberal Democrats.
Vice chairs were also appointed at the meeting.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
