Reform UK’s chair of the Isle of Wight Council’s education committee has resigned from the position not quite four months after being appointed.
Councillor Ros Freeman, representative for Lake South, cited ‘continual obstacles’ and ‘opposition from various directions’ in her resignation statement.
Second Reform councillor steps down
Her Reform colleague, Councillor Tony Raffe, has also stepped down from the children’s services, education and skills committee, with fellow party member Councillor Reuben Loake taking over in his place.
Councillors Freeman and Raffe were appointed to the panel at the first full council meeting after their election in May this year.
Freeman’s resignation statement
Councillor Freeman said this week,
“My sole purpose in seeking the position of chair and lead for children’s services was to make a positive and meaningful difference to the lives of children on the Island.
“Unfortunately, it became increasingly evident that, regardless of how hard I worked or the initiatives I sought to progress, there were continual obstacles and opposition from various directions.
“I would, however, like to reiterate that throughout this time I had the full support of the director of children’s services and his team, as well as the support of my colleagues at Reform.”
Interim arrangements
The Liberal Democrat vice-chair of the committee, Councillor Andrew Garratt, is performing the role of the chair and lead member until full council makes a new appointment at its 18th November 2026 meeting.
Previous criticism
Councillor Freeman previously faced criticism from a Conservative member of the education panel, Councillor Ed Blake, who accused her of being ‘incapable’ of answering a public question on her own.
Councillor Blake claimed she ‘doesn’t feel the confidence’ to say what she wants without being controlled by her party.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
