The leader of the Conservative group of councillors at Isle of Wight council has issued a statement today explaining why he is stepping down from the role.
Cllr Steve Hastings, who is also Chairman of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, explained that after becoming ill a few weeks ago, which he is still receiving treatment for, he has made the decision to prioritise his health..
Cllr Hastings said,
“In May, I was chosen by my colleagues to lead the Conservative Group at County Hall. I was also subsequently elected as Chair of the Council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee.
“A few weeks ago, I became ill and have been on medication and receiving treatment since then. I am grateful to all fellow members of the Isle of Wight Council for their kind words of support and good wishes. My thanks also to Cllr Chris Quirk for chairing the Corporate Scrutiny Committee in my absence.”
Hastings: Need to prioritise my health over coming months
Cllr Hastings went on to say,
“Although I have begun to improve, I am still far from back to full strength. I need to prioritise my health over the coming weeks and months, in order that I have the best possible prospects of a full recovery.
“I have therefore decided to step down as leader of the Conservative Group with immediate effect.”
Hastings: Does not affect ward councillor work
Cllr Hastings added,
“This does not affect my work as the ward councillor for Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet, which has always been my primary focus.
“I will also continue as chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee until January, when the new leadership of the Conservative Group will put forward a nomination to replace me at that month’s Full Council meeting.”
A new leader for the group will be elected on Friday 3rd December.
Our best wishes to Cllr Hastings for a speedy recovery.
