The newly-elected Reform UK councillor for Lake North, David Maclean, has resigned from Isle of Wight Council.
He stood down on Monday after missing at least three committee meetings since his election in May 2025.
Absences prompt scrutiny
Last week, Councillor Paul Brading (Con) asked Councillor Maclean to reconsider his position on the council.
He raised concerns after Councillor Maclean failed to attend at least three Children’s Services Committee meetings since taking office in May.
Councillor Maclean also only attended only two out of six committee meetings he has been expected to attend since being elected.
IWC: Resignation confirmed
A spokesperson for Isle of Wight council told OnTheWight,
“We can confirm notification has been received from Councillor David Maclean of his resignation as a councillor with immediate effect.
“If we receive the requisite number of requests from electors to call an election in the Lake North division, a by-election will take place. Assuming the number is reached, a notice of election will then be posted by Returning Officer for the Council.
“The date will be subject to the date of receipt of request for election and polling station availability.”
If contested the by-election would be held on 2nd October 2025. Full details can be found on the council’s website.
Brading: In my view, it is clear that he did not expect to be elected
Councillor Brading, who had asked the Reform UK councillor to reconsider his position, told OnTheWight,
“I am sorry to hear that due to family reasons Cllr Maclean has had to make the decision to resign as a Councillor with immediate effect.
“In my view, it is clear that he did not expect to be elected, or have any understanding of what the role of a Councillor actually entails.
“Since May the residents of Lake North have had no representation, as he failed to respond to any of their emails. I know this as many came to me for help and support instead.
“This has now triggered a bye-election at Isle of Wight tax payers expense, and I hope the Lake North residents now vote for a Councillor that lives locally and will support them, rather than a ‘paper candidate’.”
Blake: Lake North deserves better than this poor representation
Councillor Ed Blake, Conservative Group Leader told OnTheWight,
“David MacLean’s resignation shows just how unfit Reform UK is to serve residents in elected positions. For the last three months, Lake North’s residents’ issues and concerns have been ignored; their views not expressed at Council meetings. Lake North deserves better than this poor representation.
“I’m pleased to announce that community champion Adrian Whittaker is going to stand again for the Conservatives in this ward and is ready to serve the people of Lake North.”
Labour: Islanders deserve councillors who are committed, local, and ready to serve
A spokesperson for Island Labour told OnTheWight,
“Mr Maclean has quit the Isle of Wight Council only days after being called out for missing important meetings. He was never a strong local candidate. It seems Reform just put him forward to make it look like they were serious about running the council.
“When he actually got elected, it turned out he couldn’t do the job. Now he’s gone, and Islanders will have to pay about £27,000 for a by-election.
“This shows how careless Reform is! They treat politics like a game, putting people into roles they’re not ready for. That leaves communities without proper representation – and leaves the public picking up the bill.
“Island Labour says Islanders deserve councillors who are committed, local, and ready to serve.”
Early delays in office
As reported by OnTheWight in May, the councillor did not attend the election count on 1st May 2025.
He was also delayed in attending County Hall to sign the necessary documents required to take up his seat.
It was said at the time that the absence was due to the “serious illness of a close family member”.
Background and context
David Maclean won the Lake North seat in a by-election on 1st May 2025. He took the seat from the Conservatives, securing 291 votes to their 232 (Adrian Whittaker).
Councillor Maclean resigned after facing pressure to defend his position following a series of absences.
Residents and colleagues now await clarity on who will represent Lake North going forward.
Article edit
2.07pm 19th Aug 2025 – IWC comment added
5.03pm 19th Aug 2025 – PB comment added
5.41pm 19th Aug 2025 – Date of by-election added
12.11pm 20th Aug 2025 – EB comment added
6.22pm 20th Aug 2025 – IL comment added
