Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council on Monday evening received with sadness the resignation of Shirley Smart due to her continuing ill health.
Shirley has been a member of the Community Council since Newport and Carisbrooke was emparished in 2008 and had been with Councillor Geoff Brodie the driving force behind its foundation. She was its Chair 2022-23.
Of course Shirley has a nearly 40 year history of public service. Originally elected in a 1982 by-election as a Liberal to Medina Borough Council for the Newport Mountjoy ward, she also became the County Councillor for Brighstone and Shorwell in 1989 and then for Mountjoy in 1993.
Leader of the Council
One of the original members of the 1995 unitary IW Council, yet again for Mountjoy, she chaired its Planning Committee for many years before she became Lib Dem leader of the Council in 2000, only to lose her seat in 2005.
Shirley returned to County Hall for Newport South (including Mountjoy) from 2013-21 as an Independent before losing to current incumbent Councillor Martin Oliver.
Oliver: She will be sorely missed
Councillor Oliver, also elected Chair of the Community Council on Monday evening said,
“It has been a pleasure to work with Shirley over the last three years for the residents of Mountjoy and Shide, she will be sorely missed along with her vast experience and knowledge.”
Brodie: Worked together in the interests of residents
Councillor Brodie said,
“I have known Shirley for 30 odd years. We were often political opponents, but we were always able to set that aside in the interests of Newport and Carisbrooke.
“We worked together to emparish the area and she will be missed by me during my remaining time as a councillor.”
Shirley was also a very committed supporter of Newport Carnival, for whom she worked tirelessly over many years.
The Council agreed to make a presentation to Shirley at a later date.
News shared by Josh on behalf of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council. Ed
Image: Cllr Shirley Smart and Jack from ERMC planting a tree
