In less than a week, there will be a new leader at Isle of Wight council, following the planned resignation of Lora Peacey-Wilcox.
On Tuesday, leader of the group of Isle of Wight Conservative councillors, Councillor Suzie Ellis shared her aspirations to become leader, and set out her priorities. If the Conservative leader is elected into the role, the political governance of the council — which is currently an independent Alliance — will switch to the Conservatives.
The next chance for the public to decide the political makeup of the council will be at the local elections in May 2025.
Alliance nomination
Cabinet member for Roads and Infrastructure from the Alliance, Councillor Phil Jordan, will be competing for more votes against Councillor Ellis
He explained to News OnTheWight that in recent days, he has been in close contact with numerous council staff. Having gained insights, he believes the Isle of Wight council’s utmost requirement is stability and continuity.
Stability amid political unrest
Councillor Jordan emphasises that the stability and continuity he mentions can best be achieved under the current Alliance administration. He views the ongoing political manoeuvring as a disruptive force, sidetracking the council, its staff, and the councillors in charge.
It’s seen as political opportunism driven by individual ambitions. He firmly states that this does not align with the interests of the staff, Island, or the residents who deserve better.
Jordan’s nomination and vision
He told News OnTheWight,
“It is with these thoughts in mind I agreed to be nominated by the Alliance group to assist the Council, the Island, and our residents as Leader of the Council.
“I have no personal aspiration other than to serve the Island and every one of us that considers it home and their place to be.”
The Alliance, Councillor Jordan explained, has multiple ongoing projects, which he says he is dedicated to seeing reach fruition.
Financial struggles and prospects
As has been widely reported over more than the last decade, the council has seen upwards of £90m reduced from their funding, leading to service cutbacks, higher charges, and elevated Council Tax.
However, Councillor Jordan indicates they’re nearing the end of their push for a more equitable funding solution — the Island Deal.
Councillor Jordan adds,
“We have provided all information that government required, and we are now awaiting the outcome of the long process this Council has been going through.
“It is now up to the Government to address our plight by a positive response.”
Addressing education and housing
In a bid to maintain stability, immediate measures are being planned to tackle the school number issues arising from declining enrolments. This decline holds financial implications for schools, staff hiring, and long-term budgeting.
Additionally, Councillor Jordan explains that the council is on track to finalise its housing initiatives.
“Continuing our work on housing, we will finalise the extensive work already carried out to bring housing delivery by the Council into effect.
“First by addressing those living in temporary accommodation and providing proper permanent homes for those families and equally tackling the affordable homes conundrum.
“In that respect, we will bring the Island Planning Strategy back to Full Council for approval. It will offer security for over-development of our Island and provide for truly affordable homes to be built.”
Floating Bridge
For those who rely on the Floating Bridge, there’s good news. According to Councillor Jordan, the prolonged Floating Bridge matter is nearing its final stages.
Following rigorous negotiations to attain a resolution for the Council, plans for a new vessel are on the horizon. Pending engineering assessments, announcements regarding a revamped and sustainable crossing are anticipated shortly.
Budgetary Challenges and Future Path
Councillor Jordan acknowledges the impending year’s budget won’t be without its hurdles.
“We can’t pretend that this year’s budget is going to be easy. It isn’t. The Council has decisions to make that are difficult and testing. But they will have to be made and Full Council will have to agree those in due course.
“All of this and more is, of course, dependent on whether Full Council decides to approve my nomination as Leader on 20th September. Whatever the outcome of the vote I am fully committed to work for the Island good, for our friends, families and residents who live on this wonderful Island and to make our Island a better place for everyone.”
