Ahead of tomorrow’s Annual Council Meeting, when Chairs of committees are nominated and elected, the group leader of the Conservative councillors, Dave Stewart shares this release. Ed
Councillors from across the Isle of Wight Council have come together to put forward a proposal for the appointment of the committee chair positions and so avoid contested elections for the positions that soured last year’s Annual Meeting.
The Councillors from the Conservative, UKIP and Independent Member Groups hope the cross-party approach sends a focused message to the Minister before his imminent visit to the Island, demonstrating that inclusive and cross party working is possible.
Cllr Stewart, Leader of the Conservative Group, said,
“We must focus all our efforts on addressing the Island’s budget challenges, dealing with the fall-out from the High Court case on school attendance, tackling widespread concern about the Waste Disposal Contract, and delivering reforms of Adult Social Care and many other problems.
“The Council must not get distracted with internal debates on who chairs what committee – committees that are working well enough. We need to pull together to get things done.”
Cllr Pitcher, Leader of the UKIP Group, added
“Councillors of different political persuasion, and those not in political parties, can work together in the best interests of the Island. This cross-party proposal gives the current Administration the opportunity to address the issues arising from the decisions that they have made.
“Frankly, many areas of the Council’s operations are in a mess. The Administration has taken its eye of the ball and needs to get its focus back.”
Cllr Jones-Evans, Leader of the Independent Members Group, concluded
“We’ve put forward constructive proposals in the past to mitigate against some of the decisions made by this minority Administration. This approach will enable this process to continue in the best interests of the Island.
“This more inclusive approach gives the Administration the chance to learn from some of the huge mistakes it has made and improves the likelihood of financial support from the Government.”
A letter containing this proposal has been sent to the Leader in advance of the Annual Meeting of the Isle of Wight Council.
