The postponed Isle of Wight Council cabinet meeting is expected to go ahead this evening (Monday) despite four cabinet members — half of all those on the committee — testing positive for Covid.
It was set to take place nearly two weeks ago, but was rescheduled at the eleventh hour, following a positive lateral flow test.
Speaking at the time, the council’s chief executive, John Metcalfe, said the precautionary decision was not made lightly.
Three cabinet members self-isolating
Now, Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said three cabinet members, out of a possible eight, have tested positive for Covid-19 and are isolating.
Cllr Peacey-Wilcox said it is hoped those isolating will be able to join the meeting virtually to add to discussions, so long as technology is working with them and not against them.
Not virtual voting
If cabinet members attend virtually, however, they are unable to vote.
Only those at County Hall will have a vote because the government did not renew specially introduced legislation that allowed decisions to be made by councillors attending meetings by video link.
Final checks taken place
Final checks were being carried out this morning, 25th October, said Cllr Peacey-Wilcox, to ensure the top Isle of Wight councillors were okay, and safe, to take part in the meeting.
Council meetings resumed in person in May with social distancing measures in place, although they started to lessen in recent months.
Decisions made tonight could see important ticket items concluded, including the potential approval of the Ryde Interchange transport scheme, which is already on a ‘very tight timeframe’.
Unknown how many other Cllrs positive
As News OnTheWight reported last week, the council refused to say how many councillors had tested positive in the last three weeks for Coronavirus.
Article edit
12.36pm 25th Oct 2021 – Number of cabinet members tested positive increased from three to four. Headline and excerpt also updated
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
