A row has broken out after last week’s controversial local government reorganisation (LGR) vote, with one councillor criticising the Isle of Wight Council’s leader and chair.
East Cowes independent Councillor Karl Love accused County Hall leader Phil Jordan of not listening to “all perspectives”.
He said a separate LGR proposal to the one rejected at full council last Wednesday should have been considered at the meeting: Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council’s ‘Simpler. Stronger. Secure’ plan (pictured).
“Wholly inaccurate” comments
In response, Alliance group leader Jordan described Councillor Love’s remarks as “wholly inaccurate”, while chair Ian Dore, also part of the Alliance group, said he was “disappointed” by the comments.
The Hampshire County Council plan proposes four councils for the Hampshire and Solent area, with the Isle of Wight retaining its unitary authority.
Hampshire CC’s proposal
Hampshire County Council’s Conservative leader Nick Adams-King has said his local authority’s proposal is “built on solid evidence” and “reliable services, value for money, and decisions made close to home”.
“Our proposal offers proven annual savings of around £50 million and while other proposals may promise more savings, they lack evidence, increase risks, spread resources too thinly, are more expensive, and less likely to deliver.”
Rejected option
The plan knocked back by the Isle of Wight Council last week, ‘Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong’, was put forward by 12 councils across the region, including Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council and Winchester City Council.
It recommended a model of five unitary authorities: four new councils on the Mainland, replacing 14 existing ones, and the Isle of Wight keeping its current position.
The 206-page document aims to simplify local structures, improve coordination of services and deliver estimated annual savings of at least £63.9 million.
Love: Should have considered Hampshire option
Councillor Love, who voted against the five-council proposal said,
“We should have been able to view these documents (Hampshire LGR proposal) because they were in the public domain, be it only 24 hours before and our leader knew about it.
“We the council decide what we should and should not be able to view and debate at the meeting. We were prevented from viewing them by the chairman and they should have been considered.
“All options should be considered by all councillors even if they turn out not to be appropriate.”
He also claimed that government has already “articulated clearly” its intention for the Isle of Wight to keep its unitary authority.
Jordan: Love’s comments are “wholly inaccurate”
Councillor Jordan said,
“The recent remarks made by Councillor Love about council meetings are wholly inaccurate and reveal a poor grasp of even the most basic rules that govern local authorities. They also reveal a total lack of understanding of the Isle of Wight Council constitution.
“The circulation of documents, the notice required for agendas, and the order of business, amongst other things, are not matters that fall under the leader’s control.
“They are laid down in the constitution and legislation. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, but also misleading to the public.”
Dore: I am disappointed by Councillor Love’s comments
Councillor Dore said,
“All the appropriate papers were presented in advance of the (17th September 2025) meeting, in accordance with publication requirements. To be clear, that is five working days minimum, prior to any council meeting.
“As a former chair and vice chair, I am disappointed by Councillor Love’s comments, because he should know this.
“The Hampshire bid was not part of the papers for the full council meeting on 17th September. So, it is not something that as chair, I had any control of.
“Since that meeting, officers have advised that introducing a late option outside the legal process (set out by government) could put our bid to remain as a unitary council at risk.”
He added that following the decision, “which Councillor Love supported”, the Island was now “at the mercy of government”.
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
