Following last week’ full council meeting, Isle of Wight prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Labour Party, Stewart Blackmore felt compelled to write to leader of the Isle of Wight council, Ian Stephens.
He shares his letter with OnTheWight readers below. Ed
Dear Ian
I would not normally express an opinion in this manner to you, but I feel compelled after last evening’s dog’s breakfast of a meeting. It was worse than anything I witnessed under the last Tory administration.
My biggest fear, and I am sure that it will be the fear of many voters, is that the Tories will become the dominant group before too long; they more or less set their own agenda last evening with an obviously planned programme of interventions and disruption, which was unashamedly compounded by the Chair’s apparent willingness to go along with it. If that were to happen it would be a complete tragedy for the Island and the consequences really don’t bear thinking about.
My concerns
I have numerous concerns as a result of last night, but summarize as follows:
- The fact that an elected Member (Cllr. Bloomfield) was allowed to read a statement/question from David Pugh from the floor (and not from the public gallery) when Pugh was writing as a member of the public (although I accept he probably, in reality, still is the de facto leader and ‘king across the water’), the only purpose of which was to embarrass you personally.
- The fact that Cllr. Seely was allowed several rants, disguised as questions, which was, again, designed to embarrass you.
- Cllr. Hilliard’s response to Cllr. Lumley’s motion was totally inadequate. The motion was tabled some time ago and she could (and should) have discussed her fears with him before the meeting. Also her reason for referral is flawed; The minimal costs involved could be built into any bid as a condition, even at this stage.
- No motions should be referred unless there is an overwhelming reason; the fact that some councillors are too lazy to do their homework is NOT any kind of reason.
- The fact that Cllr. Whitehouse was allowed to read his fake ‘amendment’ for so long before he was (unsuccessfully) called to order. My opinion of the Chair’s ability to control the meeting (which had already been called into question) completely evaporated at this point.
- The fact that (although not known to you) at least four members of the public attended for the specific purpose of hearing Cllr. Lumley’s Motion on a Living Wage and were denied the chance.
- The length of time it took Davina Fiore to issue her ‘advice’ following (during) Whitehouse’s rant.
- The fact that several members of your group drifted away before the meeting closed, showing indiscipline and lack of respect.
A rag bag collection of individuals
I know, and to some extent understand, Ian, why you put so much emphasis on the fact that the Independents are not ‘whipped’, but last night clearly illustrated the flaws of that strategy. They appear to be a rag bag collection of individuals who are undisciplined and who have no grasp of how the ‘system’ works, whereas the Tories understand only too well – and can’t wait for your group to implode. Unfortunately, from where most outsiders are standing, they won’t have to wait too much longer.
If your group does not survive, the cuts which will come as a direct result, under the Tories, would be unimaginable and the Island would never recover. The other consequence of this would be, of course, that any future Independent Parliamentary Candidate (if, indeed, one is chosen) would have to explain why he or she should represent the Island’s interest at Westminster when Independents can’t even run a small local authority.
[part of letter removed whilst claims are investigated]
Finally, this Council has to address the £28 million of cuts it is faced with and I fear that you are being derailed from something which should have the utmost priority. There does not appear to be an Executive Member (since Cllr. Gilbey’s resignation/dismissal) driving this forward and, worse, there does not appear to be anyone (from within the group) with either the experience or expertise to drive this most important portfolio forward.
Wishing you luck
I really do hope that the Independent group survives, Ian, and I wish you every good luck luck in that, but I am not optimistic and the future for Islanders looks very bleak.
As is usual, (and agreeing with your policy of transparency), I will be releasing the text of this email to the media.
My best wishes, Stewart
Article edits: 15.40 on 25.9.2014
Paragraph removed following report of false statement.
Image: Gerald Brazellunder CC BY 2.0
