As we are approaching half-way through the term of the Alliance Group’s time in office at County Hall, News OnTheWight approached each of the Cabinet members offering an opportunity to highlight the work of their portfolio and their hopes for the coming year.
We begin with Isle of Wight council leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox. In her own words. Ed
On 26th May 2021 I was elected as Leader of the Isle of Wight council.
I began my acceptance speech with a minute’s silence for all those we lost during the Covid pandemic. I knew how many people were suffering loss, but were not able to go through the normal grieving process.
Covid recovery had to be at the heart of our work
I went on to pay tribute the vast numbers of people across the Island who supported so many during the pandemic.
I also said that Covid recovery – mental, physical and financial – had to be at the heart of our work going forward.
Exceptional support from Cabinet members
During my speech I said that being just 4’11” tall and nearing 60 years of age but having a budget of £400 million and 145,000 residents to look after it was a huge weight on my shoulders.
As such I am lucky to have some pretty superb cabinet members (including two ex-leaders!) who have been both exceptional in their support and competent in their roles.
External support
For the Alliance Administration, the external support from truly outstanding, gifted people both has and continues to help us in our way forward. You know who you are. Thank you – truly!
The support I have received from so many residents has been totally humbling. Letters, cards, messages, emails, gifts and words of wisdom, during some pretty dark times, have kept me in my position, as I strive to do the best I can for you. Those who provided support know who you are. I am forever indebted to you. Your love and kindness kept me going this year and keeps me going as we approach 2023
We’re making progress and the pace is starting to increase
So, the Alliance Administration has been in office for over 82 weeks (yes, I am counting), and although at times I feel as though I am crawling through tar and treacle, only to drag my little toe out and then to land in quicksand, we are making progress and the pace of this progress is starting to increase.
As an Island we have had to contend with Covid, including the serious ill health of council staff, bereavement, the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, a poverty crisis, flooding, untold planning issues, restructuring, a bye-election, adult social care recruitment problems, an NHS that is frequently is crisis……I mean, I could go on…..but you get the picture. You are living it!
Nothing, absolutely nothing, is straightforward
As I write, we have spent months going over and over the budget. Who would have thought the council was so very complex in everything it does. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is straightforward.
I will never forget Dave Stewart, the former Council leader, saying how he was amazed by the complexities of the council. Dave, I get it now!!
I’m kept awake at night worrying about you all
The previous few months have been bordering on the impossible for many of you and the coming months will be horrendous for some.
I can only say that I and the council team are doing all we can to mitigate things for the Island and us Islanders in face of the crises we are facing, not just here on the Island, but nationally and worldwide.
Seriously, I am kept awake at night worrying about you all.
Look after each other as much as you can
Please have forbearance in the next few months. It’s going to be tough.
Please look after each other as much as you can. Stay well and safe.
I will leave no stone unturned
I would like to say I’m a miracle worker and that I will solve all the issues we face. I am not a miracle worker.
However, rest assured that I will leave no stone unturned in order to minimise the problems we will all be facing.
Heartfelt thanks to volunteers
Finally I would like to express my thanks to all our wonderful volunteers across the Island who are working and continue to work in so many sectors to keep our Island running as it does.
The last few years have not been easy, and things don’t look great at the moment, but I do think we can look forward to a more positive future.
Let us share that hope going forward and I will do all I can in my role to try and realise that hope for all.
