Councillor Suzie Ellis shares this latest release in relation to movements at County Hall planed for next week, following Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox’s resignation announcement. Ed
Following the announcement of the resignation of Councillor Peacey-Wilcox from the post of Executive Leader (with effect from 6pm on Wednesday 20th September), Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Suzie Ellis, who is the elected representative for the Central Rural ward, has advised that she has withdrawn the Motion of No Confidence from the Full Council agenda.
She has confirmed that she will be seeking election as Council Leader (as per the original motion), and is setting out more details about her plans to offer the local authority a fresh direction through a new administration.
In a statement, Councillor Ellis has explained why she believes the council needs a change of administration.
Councillor Ellis said,
“As I previously outlined, the Council – and indeed the Island – needs leadership which is prepared to make the right – and sometimes difficult – decisions in a timely manner. Such leadership must also enjoy the support of a wider set of members across the Council Chamber. The dwindling numbers within the Alliance Group suggest that it does not enjoy majority support.
“Having spent many weeks discussing the proposed way forward with councillors from across the Chamber, I am confident that there is a consensus about the need for change. Members will have a choice next Wednesday when they vote to elect a new leader of the local authority. This decision, having been made by councillors elected by the public, will give democratic legitimacy to whoever is leader from this point forward.”
Councillor Ellis went on to set out how she plans to lead the local authority.
“With change must come collaboration, and a recognition that for the remainder of this council term it will continue to be the case that no one group has a majority. Although the Conservatives are the largest group, we must continue to work with all members and look carefully at how those outside of any administration which is formed can also be involved. If I am elected as Council Leader next week, I would welcome continued input from all councillors about how best this could be achieved.”
With regard to future meeting arrangements and appointments Councillor Ellis said she would not be making any decisions about Cabinet Member appointments until after next Wednesday’s vote.
She said,
“As a member of the Council’s Future Governance Working Group – exploring the potential to introduce a committee system of governance – I will continue to work with other councillors to consider the merits of this approach.
“In the meantime, if elected as leader, I intend to appoint a Cabinet to collectively undertake the executive functions of the local authority. I will expect any cabinet I appoint to be open and transparent and subject to the full weight of effective scrutiny.
“In terms of the appointment of Cabinet Members, I will not be making any announcements – or any commitments – until and if I am elected as leader. Each member must vote next Wednesday based on what they consider is best for the community we serve, and I have made clear that no roles would be offered or promised ahead of this vote. If I become Council Leader, I will then decide who to appoint to various roles, having regard for what individual councillors can contribute in helping us deliver our priorities for the Island.”
Councillor Ellis said has outlined eight proposed priorities for the council which, she says, will continue to evolve over the coming weeks and months to form a new IW Council Corporate Plan.
- Set a robust and balanced budget, keeping council tax increases to the lowest possible level, and continuing to make the case to the Government for additional funding.
- Create an effective Children’s Service and Education Team, whilst continuing to draw on the expertise and input of Hampshire County Council where possible and needed.
- Tackle the increasing crisis in school place planning, having regard for the need to avoid an adverse impact on the funding available for the education of children in viable schools.
- Seek consensus on the best way forward for the Island Planning Strategy, having regard for any provisions likely to come into force once the Regeneration & Levelling Up Bill receives Royal Assent – whilst recognising the need to get an up-to-date Island Plan in place as soon as possible.
- Unlock the delivery of affordable housing, by overcoming internal cautiousness about investing the £40m borrowing agreed at Full Council almost 18 months ago; working with housebuilders and housing associations to come up with creative solutions and making use of public sector land, and with brownfield or developed land a preference.
- Secure progress in major regeneration projects, not least by making the Island an attractive place for inward investment.
- Progress the implementation of the Climate and Environment Strategy and harness the potential of the Island’s UNESCO biosphere status.
- Working with public and voluntary sector partners to improve joint working, joined-up services and the rationalisation of buildings and operating costs.
Councillor Ellis added,
“Councillor Peacey-Wilcox has worked very hard for the Island and has discharged her duties with the best interests of our community in mind. However, there is no doubt that the current administration has faltered – particularly over recent months – and it is our view that change is now needed – and this must go beyond just shifting positions within the Alliance.
“It will be for Full Council to decide whether that change happens. I will of course respect whatever that decision is; and I look forward to continuing to serve local residents to the best of my ability, whether that continues to be solely as a ward councillor or also as Council Leader.”
