Leader of the Isle of Wight council, Jonathan Bacon shares this statement on the Executive reshuffle and Cllr Jordan’s resignation as Executive member for PFI and Public Protection. Ed
A number of comments have been made by some in relation to the timing and content of the press statement released yesterday about the Executive Reshuffle. A reshuffle has been under consideration for some time for the reasons stated in yesterday’s press release.
There has been much activity in respect of regeneration over the last six months and yesterday saw the publication of the papers in respect of the new Regeneration Strategy, which has been on the Council Forward Plan for some time.
Cut across the timetable
The situation in respect of Councillor Jordan has cut across this timetable but it is fair to say that the fact it has arisen added an impetus to proceeding with the proposed Executive reorganisation.
I did not disclose more detail of the situation concerning Phil in the statement in accordance with his wishes as it is fundamentally a personal matter, although it is of course the case that in my view it has made his position holding roles in relation to public protection, public health and liaison with the police untenable.
Desperate attempts to fling mud
I find it particularly farcical that some have suggested there is an attempt to cover up Councillor Jordan’s situation when the court proceedings are wholly within the public domain.
Such allegations come across simply as desperate attempts to fling mud.
One of our hardest working Councillors
However, as the press have now published details of the charge that Councillor Jordan faces I feel I can now make comment and pay tribute to Phil and his work over the last three and a half years.
Phil has been one of our hardest working Councillors, whose abilities have meant that he was able to deal with some incredibly difficult and complex matters that I suspect few others could have coped with, particularly the PFI contract inherited from the previous administration. His warmth, generosity and sensitivity have contributed both to the Independent Group and those residents he has helped.
A great loss to the Administration
It is all the more sad that his time as an Executive member has come to an end as a result of foolish behaviour which cannot be condoned.
Phil’s abilities are a great loss to the Administration. However, there is much work underway which we can and must continue to pursue to do what we can for the Isle of Wight and its residents. On that journey Phil’s support and contribution to the Executive will be greatly missed.
