In recent months, Ventnor Town Council has lost three councillors to resignation, as well as their long-standing clerk, David Bartlett (who they have been unable to replace).
Earlier in the year, James (Jim) Toogood, the former long-serving town councillor for Ventnor West resigned from his seat, accusing “a bully” within the town council of making it “unbelievably difficult” in the previous two years.
He’d said “the bully” had “constantly criticised and tried to block many” of his projects. He said that he saved the town council money by giving his time and construction advice freely, but couldn’t accept there’d been unnecessary extra costs when projects were blocked and delayed.
Seat remains unfilled
At the time Mr Toogood said that he loved the town so would still do his very best for the residents, but it would not be with the town council.
His Ventnor West seat has not been filled yet – but News OnTheWight understands it may be filled via co-option.
Other resignations
The town council has also seen the resignation of St Lawrence councillor, Stephen Cockett (due to a house move) and long-standing Bonchurch councillor, Brian Lucas (who has served on the Town Council since 2007).
The St Lawrence seat has been filled by former Town Councillor, Steve Milford, and elections for the Bonchurch seat take place on Thursday 14th September.
Candidates for the Bonchurch and Ventnor East seat
News OnTheWight has been informed that two candidates have put themselves forward for the seat, James Toogood (Independent) and Adrian Whittaker (Vectis Party).
Mr Whittaker also sits on the Lake Parish Council, as well as the Shanklin Town Council.
News OnTheWight asked Jim Toogood what has changed since he resigned from the town council just a few months ago.
His response reads:
“There have been changes at VTC and those changes will I am confident be beneficial in the long term. The council now has an active HR committee with a strong chair. New documents have been agreed and new procedures implemented for both the councillors and the staff. I am confident that these changes will result in more positive engagement and less negativity.
“I regret my recent resignation which occurred at a time when I was under pressure personally and I look forward to returning to help and advise VTC particularly in the area of construction. I have really enjoyed my time as a councillor for 11 years.
“I have worked well with the outgoing Bonchurch Councillor and I have concluded that I can be more productive for the Town if I return to the council. I considered that it might be possible to help the community of Ventnor- the town that live in and love but feel that VTC is where I should be to be most effective.
“If any residents in Bonchurch and Ventnor East have questions I am happy for them to contact me.”
Article edit
9.18am 18th Aug 2023 – Date of by-election added
8.30am 21st Aug 2023 – Comment from JT added
Image: Lucas Raggers under CC BY 2.0
