Councillor Phil Jordan, the new leader of Isle of Wight council, pledged to members that he would do everything he can to work across the council chamber.
Councillor Jordan said the close vote (19 each for him and his contender, leader of the Conservatives councillors Suzie Ellis) was a demonstration of “how difficult it is to get agreement in this council”.
In an unprepared speech, he declared that the Alliance administration would address some of the key issues raised at the meeting tonight (Wednesday), such as school places and housing.
Jordan: A little more than indecisive
With the Alliance being accused of a lack of decision-making he pointed out that the Cabinet had made an executive decision every 20 days since coming into office more than two and a half years ago.
“That’s a little more than indecisive. We’ve made about 45-50 executive decisions on policy and strategy and some actions.
“We are not frightened to make decisions, why would we be? We’re trying to do the best for our Island. That’s what we’re all here for I guess.”
Jordan: Delivering better outcomes for the Island
He added,
“We should be trying to deliver better outcomes for the Island, that’s what I’ll pledge myself to try and do.”
Jordan: We’ll capture the skill and qualities
The leader finished by saying that he hoped councillors can have the spirit of working together. He pointed out some political technicalities for political parties to join Cabinet, adding,
“We will find a way to capture some of the skill and qualities that are in the chamber, so that’s my small unprepared pledge to you.”
