This evening (Thursday), Isle of Wight council Leader Phil Jordan confirmed a significant step forward in the ongoing discussions about potential school closures.
He announced that a Full Council debate and indicative vote on school place planning will take place in January. The results of this debate will guide his Cabinet as they make final decisions on the matter in March.
A democratic concession
Councillor Geoff Brodie (Ind Lab), who has actively pushed for broader council involvement in the decision-making process — namely earlier in the week threatening to raise a motion of no confidence in the council leader if the subject did not go to Full Council — welcomed the announcement.
He said,
“I am delighted at Councillor Jordan’s concession.
“He has proved himself a democrat within the constraints of the law about compulsory Cabinet decision making.”
After more than two hours of public questions at the Cabinet meeting, Councillor Brodie also congratulated the council leader for the way he handed the public questions.
Opportunity for all councillors to contribute
The decision means that all 39 councillors will have the opportunity to express their views on the emotive issue of school closures.
Councillor Brodie emphasised the importance of this process, adding,
“All 39 councillors can now express their views and give a guiding vote to Cabinet.”
Final cabinet decisions in March
The indicative vote in January will not determine the outcome, but will provide valuable insight for the Cabinet to consider when it finalises its decisions in March.
The issue of school closures remains a deeply sensitive topic, with many stakeholders keenly awaiting further developments.
At time of publishing the Cabinet meeting had been running for three and a half hours.
