Update: This article published before midday on 1st April was an April Fool.
The newly appointed Conservative Association Chairman, Alan Wells, announced this morning (Sunday) that the Isle of Wight Conservatives would be co-opting IW Liberal Democrats onto the ruling party in the form of a coalition.
The shock move follows the discovery of an unknown procedural rule from the Isle of Wight Council Constitution.
An officer of the council discovered the rule this week when gathering previous versions in response to a media enquiry.
Sorting through the documentation, he discovered two pages near the end of the document had been stuck together.
Procedural Rule 42
After prising them apart a hidden procedural rule was revealed.
Procedural Rule 42
Any ruling party may choose to co-opt members of another political party onto the ‘ruling group’ in the form of a coalition. No elections are necessary.
The Constitution allow the ‘ruling party’ the freedom to do as they wish, without being held accountable.
Strengthening our block vote, says Pugh
Council leader David Pugh told VB, “Rumours have been circulating that several Conservative councillors are planning to resign this week, so we’re being proactive and forcing the LibDems to form a coalition.
“The move will ensure that our block voting strategy is retained and continues to be as effective as it has previously.”
“He must be chuckleheaded” says Reg Barry
Liberal Democrat councillor, Reg Barry, was less than happy with the intentions of the Conservatives, saying, “My great-great-great Grandfather stuck those pages of the Constitution together back in 1753 on purpose.
“I don’t want no aaterclaps, but if nipper Pugh thinks he’ll be telling me how to vote, he must be chuckleheaded. I’ll be giving him a right ole ballyragging and maybe land him a lounder at next full council. He’ll be bivvering in his boots by the time I’m finished with him.”
Illustration: David Knight
