The Isle of Wight council annual meeting took place this evening, Wednesday, and a new Chairperson was elected.
The meeting began with the current Isle of Wight chairperson, Cllr Geoff Brodie declaring that he would not be putting himself forward for nomination of an extra year.
Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox nominated, Cllr Claire Critchison, the current Vice Chairperson.
Cllr Joe Robertson, leader of the Conservative group nominated Cllr Chris Quirk.
Cllr Brodie said he did not support Cllr Critchison becoming chairperson as he felt the person in that role needed more experience to being able to chair fractious and difficult meetings and to have an in-depth knowledge of the constitution.
Members voted 20 in favour of Cllr Critchison and 18 in favour of Cllr Quirk.
Critchison: A great honour
Cllr Critchison was elected as Chairperson of the Isle of Wight council for the coming year.
Cllr Critchison said being elected as Chairperson was a great honour and that she’d thoroughly enjoyed attending civic events over the last year.
Vice-Chairperson
Cllr Peacey-Wilcox nominated Cllr Karl Love for the role as vice-chair, but as this would mean he could not remain on the Cabinet, instead she nominated Cllr Michael Lilley.
Cllr Robertson again nominated Cllr Quirk, adding that there should be an opposition councillor in the role, as the Chairperson role had been taken by the Alliance.
Cllr Andrew Garratt and Cllr Love both added their support for Cllr Lilley.
Cllr Brodie referred to “chaos” at planning meetings chaired by Cllr Lilley and that he would be the worst possible Vice-Chairperson for full council meetings.
Cllr Pitcher said he couldn’t think of anyone more experienced that Cllr Lilley to take on the role.
Members voted 20 in favour of Cllr Lilley and 18 in favour of Cllr Quirk. Cllr Lilley was elected as Vice-Chairperson.
Article edit
6.40pm 18th May 2022 – Vice-Chairperson details added
