As an online petition is launched calling on the Isle of Wight council (IWC) to ‘not cancel Isle of Wight elections in May 2025’, it’s understandable that many people are still confused about the Devolution process and what was agreed by IWC this week.
It is a confusing subject to get your head around.
However, the Government has been very clear, Devolution is going to happen whether Islanders want it or not. What the IWC leadership are seeking to do, is to be at the table early to ensure they can fight the Island’s corner to remain independent.
The petition
An online petition, launched by Dave Allen from Ventnor, calls for the elections to go ahead as planned, so that,
“… the residents of the Isle of Wight can decide who represents them in May, and whether we want a Mayor based in Hampshire making decisions for us.”
Elections restrict early negotiations
With the support of 19 councillors out of 35 (via Full Council and Cabinet meetings), earlier this week the IWC agreed to ask government for permission to postpone the local council elections, so the council can take part in fast-track to devolution negotiations.
During a six-week election period, councils can only operate as ‘business as usual’.
Therefore, if the council elections were to go ahead in May 2025, it would mean the Island’s leadership would not be able to take part in any negotiations relating to Devolution — preventing it from being able to fight for the Island.
Fast-tracked Priority process
If the council is successful in seeking access to the fast-tracked Priority process — something that 19 out of 35 councillors also voted in favour of this week — it would then have the ability of being at the table during negotiations, where they will be fighting for the Island to be treated as an ‘exception’ and maintaining the Island’s status quo as an existing Unitary Authority.
Decision will go back to Full Council
The council leadership has been very clear, they are lobbying for the Island to not have to amalgamate with other authorities.
If exceptional circumstances are refused, leader of the council, Phil Jordan, reiterated several times this week that the final decision about future strategic partners will go before Full Council later in the year.
Councillor Jordan’s myth busting article provides more clarity on the situation.
Catch up on the latest in relation to the Devolution plans by accessing OnTheWight’s Solent Devolution archive. Ed
