The Isle of Wight council leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox, has announced that she will step down from her role next week.
The Conservative group of councillors have submitted a motion of no confidence in the current leader, which goes to a vote at next week’s full council meeting on Wednesday 20th September.
Councillor Peacey-Wilcox says that her resignation will take effect from 6pm on the same day (20th).
A motion has been submitted seeking to appoint Councillor Phil Jordan to succeed her at that meeting.
Councillor Peacey-Wilcox said,
“I have decided to take this course of action because the ongoing submission of votes of no confidence against me has become a serious distraction for the Council and the important work we are engaged in and has simply been wasting time and diverting energy best used elsewhere.
“This situation cannot continue as there is vital and necessary work currently being undertaken for the Island’s people which must not be disrupted, particularly in terms of the efforts I have been making personally to secure a proper financial deal for the Island as well as dealing with issues of connectivity through the Island’s Forum. At this point in time it is essential that we have the continuity that maintaining the Alliance Coalition Administration will give.”
What has been achieved
Councillor Peacey-Wilcox, who has served as leader of the Alliance Group since May 2021 went on to add,
“During the period of my Leadership we have been decisive and have achieved much, including the new emphasis on cultural regeneration, which has led to over £7m of investment by Arts Council England and paved the way for a new film studio. Sandown in particular has had focus from the High Streets Task Force, Yaverland regeneration, the Bay Place Plan and a successful £3.1m bid for Sandown Town Hall.
“We have also brought forward the Ryde Interchange, increased the level of Council Support for those in need, settled the Floating Bridge litigation, brought forward a new Dementia Hub, created a Climate Change Strategy, developed closer working with voluntary groups, Parish, Town and Community Councils and, in the last few weeks, we have been working with Ofgen to improve access to the national Grid to support renewable energy development and are bringing forward a decision to be taken this week to advance the building of Affordable Housing on the Island.”
Work stalled
The leader explained that some important work has been stalled, as a result, she says of “some Members taking advantage of the fragile political situation in the Council Chamber, including the Island Planning Strategy”.
“I am hopeful that the greater stability hopefully brought about my decision today, will enable this and other things to start moving forward again.”
Reduced funding from Government
The leader on to add,
“When I became Leader it was clear that the Council was struggling, particularly due to reduced funding from Government and the consequent budget pressures this has caused. The Alliance Coalition took decisive action to stabilise things and created a new direction focused much more on the needs of our residents and communities and the preservation of our environment.
“Leading the Administration has been challenging. However, one of the skills of Leadership is knowing when to lead and when to stop.”
LPW: My work will be my legacy
She added,
“We have faced challenges from an opposition that plainly has no goal other than playing party politics and taking power. Statements from the Conservative Group that they wish to work together have now been proved beyond doubt to be false. I have decided that my legacy should not be fighting to lead a council that has been decimated by Government but, instead, my work to secure an Island Deal and stable connectivity, both for energy and transport, for our precious Island. We need to continue with the clear course the Alliance has set rather than risk placing ourselves in the hands of a group that, at its core, is being directed by the party political games and personal ambitions and interests of a few members.
“I have worked tirelessly over the years for the benefit of the Island people and I will continue to do what I can while I remain as a Councillor. My primary focus will always remain the push for the elusive Island Deal that will make such a huge difference to future of our young people and indeed all those that such a Deal will support.
“I thank the supportive councillors from all parties and the staff that have worked alongside us, my fellow Alliance members for their support and friendship, but, most importantly, I thank my fellow residents for their support and faith over the last two and a half years.”
