The potential closure of six schools on the Isle of Wight has sparked significant debate among councillors, with Independent Labour Councillor Geoff Brodie raising serious concerns about the decision-making process.
The closures, which are due to be decided by the Cabinet on Thursday, echo the controversial 2011 decision to close 16 middle schools and move to a two-tier education system. Unlike in 2011, when all 40 councillors were involved in the decision, this proposal involves just the eight members of the current Cabinet.
Criticism of democratic process
Councillor Brodie criticised the approach of council leader Councillor Phil Jordan, who he claims is “railroading” the decision through the smaller Cabinet. Councillor Brodie highlighted the contrast with 2011, noting that the then-council leader ensured all councillors participated in the decision-making process.
“This is hardly democratic,” Councillor Brodie stated, pointing out that Councillor Jordan’s Independent and Green Party Alliance holds only 13 seats in the 39-member council.
Plans for change in governance
Following a campaign led by Councillor Brodie, the council will be abolishing the Cabinet system in May 2025. After that, major decisions will require the involvement of all councillors. He called for the same level of accountability now, urging Councillor Jordan to bring the school closure decision to the Full Council.
Councillor Brodie warned,
“If he does not change his mind by Friday, I will submit a motion of ‘No Confidence’ to the Full Council on 15th January.”
He expressed confidence in gaining majority support for the motion from Conservative councillors (16), the Empowering Islanders group (3), and himself.
Concerns for local communities
Councillor Brodie highlighted the potential impact on communities, particularly those represented by councillors in the Alliance and Lib Dem groups whose wards include schools under threat of closure. He specifically named Cowes Primary, Wroxall, and Oakfield as schools affected, urging those councillors to consider their constituents’ interests.
Councillor Brodie claims he has always liked and respected Councillor Jordan, however, he urged,
“This is about ALL councillors being able to take a view on a major decision on behalf of ALL Islanders. It’s called democracy.
“Please do the right thing, Phil.”
Lilley: This threatening and ultimatum type politics is not helpful
In response to Councillor Brodie ultimatum, Councillor Michael Lilley, LibDem councillor for Ryde Appley and Elmfield Ward, told
“Although I have concerns about Cabinet making the decision about School Place Planning on Thursday and believe the report in its entirety should be withdrawn for further consideration and discussion with key stakeholders and this is what I have requested, I think this kind of threatening and ultimatum type politics is not helpful and makes this important issue a political football.
“We are talking human lives here and not act in this very divisive unnecessary way. I have made it clear that if Cabinet moves ahead with closures on Thursday that they run the risk of Judicial Review and an appeal to School adjudicator which I would support. They should make a clear decision without a fear of a political gun to their head, which is the Brodie approach.
“The question I have for Councillor Brodie is, if Godshill School was not linked to Barton Primary in his ward, would he be still calling for a no confidence vote? This means to end to get what you want politics will also disappear under the committee system which I also support.”
The debate over school closures is set to intensify as councillors and residents await Thursday’s Cabinet meeting and the potential fallout from any decision made.
Love: Please remember your comments can have significant emotional impacts
Chairman of the Isle of Wight council, Karl Love, called on councillors to …
“Please allow the leader time to respond to Councillor Brodie’s email in a meaningful and considered way.
“We must remember the matters in consideration are about the lives and futures of our Young People. The mechanisms for making decisions are a very different matter of discussion and something which our council has already taken policy decisions to change moving forwards, as referred to by Councillor Brodie.
“Making changes to our Island’s education system was never going to be an easy or digestible process for all. Having worked in the education for many years and been through some very difficult service redesigns myself, I know how destabilising and emotional it can be for all and especially school staff, families and of course the young people.
“Please remember your comments can have significant emotional impacts and I ask that we all respond and debate with this in mind.”
Article edit
1.05pm 9th Dec 2024 – ML comment added
9.35am 10th Dec 2024 – KL comment added
