The leaders of both the Conservative and Empowering Islanders (EI) groups of councillors have issued a joint statement in relation to the upcoming motion of no confidence in the current leader of the council, Lora Peacey-Wilcox.
Councillor Suzie Ellis (Con) and Councillor Chris Jarman (EI)
“We are aware that there are those who do not support a move to a majority Coalition that would provide a stable administration with Councillors working together to improve the lives of Islanders in these difficult times.
“Coalitions work by focusing on the greater good, by calling upon the best elements of each and by moving forward rather than looking back.
“In seeking to move from an environment of inertia and indecision to one of collaboration and action, there will always be those who would rather amplify and exploit past matters in order to frustrate that positive transformational and democratic change and the benefits it can afford.
“Such dissenting views and historical references are merely distractions that need to be set aside whilst those determined to move forward unite and deliver for our Island.”
Opposition to the takeover plans
When the motion was announced earlier this week, Cabinet member, Councillor Phil Jordan, (Alliance group) told News OnTheWight,
“This does sound more like a personal vendetta than consideration for Island residents who, frankly, deserve better than this skullduggery.”
At the time, Councillor Andrew Garratt (LibDem) also told News OnTheWight,
“We see no credible reason why the Liberal Democrats should prefer a Conservative council leader instead of Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox.”
Whilst Councillor Richard Quigley (Labour) told News OnTheWight,
“It doesn’t seem like particularly good timing, with an organisational review underway and Hampshire handing back the children’s services contract, the council needs stability, not political turmoil to satisfy egos.”
Green Party councillors who are part of the Alliance group, Joe Lever and Claire Critchison (Chair of the IWC), also told News OnTheWight,
“We wish the Tories and their “empowering egos” allies would stop the political games and put their efforts into being an effective group of councillors instead.”
Councillor Geoff Brodie said he would never vote for a Conservative leader, but that the current council leadership had lost his confidence some time ago.
The motion of no confidence is tabled to be considered at the 20th September Full Council meeting.
The Alliance group say it is motivated by the school places plan, claiming the Conservatives wish to close nine schools to address capacity issues.
Political make-up of the council
The Conservatives have 16 members, the Alliance has 13. There are four members of Empowering Islanders, three members of the Liberal Democrats, one Labour and one Independent Labour.
Today’s (Thursday) by-election in Wootton will deliver another councillor to join the members at County Hall. The results are expected late this evening.
