News of the political shakeup at County Hall continues, with the final two members of the new Group being revealed.
The Group, named Empowering Islanders, has now been formally submitted to Isle of Wight council and contains former Alliance members, Cllrs John Medland (pictured left), Chris Jarman (pictured second from the right) and Dave Adams (pictured right), as well as former Conservative Group member, Peter Spink (pictured second left).
Cllr Jarman will be the leader of the group. He told News OnTheWight,
“Islanders are not interested in the divisions and point scoring at County Hall.
“By establishing a centre group, open to elected Members from any political background, we are able to capitalise on the full base of diversity, experience and skills to bring forward practical programmes to tackle the real issues impacting the day to day lives of Islanders.”
Political make-up
Formation of the new group means the political make-up of the council is now: 16 Conservative councillors; 13 Alliance Group members (including two Green Party members); four Empowering Islanders group members; three Liberal Democrats; one Labour member; one independent Labour; and an independent councillor, who is currently in prison.
Robertson: Shared common frustrations
Cllr Joe Robertson, leader of the Conservative Group of councillors, told News OnTheWight,
“I have always found Chris Jarman approachable and straight forward to deal with along with John Medland and Dave Adams.
“Together with Peter Spink I have met with them on a number of occasions over the last 18 months and have shared common frustrations over the slow pace of change at the Council.
“I look forward to continuing to work with them all in their new grouping.”
Quigley: ‘Fisher Price’ Westminster
Speaking about the changes, Cllr Richard Quigley, Labour councillor for Cowes North, told News OnTheWight,
“Never a dull week in politics. Hopefully Michael Lilley as at last found a group that can live with him and Cllrs Jarman, Spink, Medland and Adams have at least done the honest thing and set themselves up as the nimby party.
“My main issue with all of this, is the average IW resident cares more about if their bins are emptied, whether they can access decent housing and afford to put food on the table than they do about this self imposed melodrama in what looks like a ‘Fisher Price’ Westminster to anyone outside.
“Those of us that want the best for the Island will continue to fight for that and ignore this side show.”
Garratt: Still a ‘hung’ council
Cllr Andrew Garratt, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group of councillors told News OnTheWight,
“The formation of this new group doesn’t change the fundamental situation that this is a ‘hung’ council – no group has an overall majority.
“That means councillors need to talk to each other to make sure that the priorities for the council are clear, and that we work together as much as possible to make change happen.
“The Liberal Democrat group priorities are those we said again when Michael Lilley joined our group – action to tackle poverty, to provide housing that is truly affordable to rent and buy, to promote green economic development, and on protecting and enhancing our Island’s environment.
“We look forward to hearing in detail what the new group’s priorities. Where they align with our liberal values, I’m sure we’ll be able to work together to achieve them along with councillors of other groups and none.”
Article edit
2.10pm 12th May 2023 – Comment from AG added
2.53pm 12th May 2023 – Comment from CJ added
