Lake North’s new Reform UK Isle of Wight councillor could not be at his initiation yesterday due to a “serious illness of a close family member”, County Hall’s leader has said.
In a statement this afternoon, Councillor Phil Jordan said he welcomed Councillor David Maclean to the Isle of Wight and said he fully understands “his predicament”.
Attending today
Councillor Maclean is reportedly attending County Hall today (Wednesday) to sign the “necessary documents”.
A total of 291 Lake North voters backed the victorious Reform UK candidate in last Thursday’s by-election.
A leaflet that seems to have been distributed by his campaign describes him as an Island ‘businessman’.
It says,
“As a businessman on the Island I believe I can help to better run our council to the benefit of Lake North residents. I will expose council waste, challenge reckless spending, and push for real investment in local priorities.”
Jordan: I do welcome David to the Isle of Wight
Councillor Jordan said,
“My understanding is that David was not able to attend (County Hall yesterday) due to a serious illness of a close family member that meant he had to attend the family member on the Mainland.
“I do welcome David to the Isle of Wight, understand fully his predicament and I am told is attending County Hall today (Wednesday) to sign the necessary documents.
“I do wish David and his family member well and trust a speedy recovery is being made.”
Alternative arrangements made
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson said,
“The newly elected councillor for Lake North, David Maclean, was unable to attend the appointment for acceptance of office and alternative arrangements are being made for him.”
Reform UK has been contacted but no response has been forthcoming. David Maclean has yet to speak to the press.
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
