The real reason for Cllr Ian Stephens ‘stepping down’ from the Isle of Wight council Executive has been revealed.
Summary of allegations
Cllr Stephens’ resignation email (which OnTheWight has seen) carried a number of staggering accusations:
- His portfolio was changed by the leader, without discussion
- Council officers feel they can get Executive members changed
- Officers are not implementing the policies of the Administration
- He accuses the Leader and CEO (CX) of undermining his position
- Discussions about Devolution were more between the Leader and CX than Indie members
Cllr Bacon refutes the allegations.
Official version gave no explanation
Earlier today (Wednesday), the Isle of Wight council issued a press release stating that Cllr Stephens had “stepped down from the Isle of Wight Council’s Executive Committee” and was to be replaced by Cllr Gordon Kendall.
No explanation was given by the leader of the council, Jonathan Bacon, as to why Cllr Stephens had stepped down.
Critical of council leader and officers
However, OnTheWight has seen the resignation email sent by Cllr Stephens on 19th December 2016 to Cllr Bacon, which makes very clear his frustration with the leadership of the administration and senior officers.
In the email to the leader of the council, Cllr Stephens said,
“Your action of moving me from an Executive role, without discussion, allowed IWC officers to feel that “THEY can cause a change in portfolio representation”….after the way they have continued to operate without initiating what we had agreed 12 months ago at informal Executive was very disrespectful.
“The rationale given by yourself from behind the decision indicated that you listened to others without talking to me…officers should implement the policies of an Administration.
“At this time it is not the case.”
Lack of dialogue over devolution
Cllr Stephens goes on to express his concern that the Island Independents have become “disjointed”.
Adding,
“The Devolution activity did the IWC no favours … hardly any dialogue with the Group but sadly there was more discussion between you and the CX, than you and the Independents.”
Duplicitous actions?
Cllr Stephens talks about being undermined by “the involvement of the CX” and Cllr Bacon, mentions “a fellow Member vying” for his Executive post.
“I took time to visit you expressing my concerns and views. From that meeting I had thought I was going to receive your support.
“I pointedly named instances and fellow Members who were indisciplined (sic) by unilaterally negotiating with others…stakeholders, developers, officers, etc …. also undermining me was the involvement of the CX and yourself without any dialogue with me, again on matters which were within my brief.”
He finished by offering his resignation and saying,
“I’m sure that the Group will remain solid no matter what my decision, and there will be no shortage of candidates for my post.”
Second reshuffle in a matter of weeks
Last month, when Cllr Jordan resigned from his position on the Executive in charge of Contract Management (PFI and Waste) and Car Parking, the portfolio was passed to Cllr Stephens.
It appears – according to the resignation email – that this decision had been made without any discussion with Cllr Stephens, whose former portfolio – Regeneration, Economic Sustainability and Development – was then passed to Whippingham councillor, Julia Baker Smith.
Cllr Stephens previously leader
Cllr Stephens had been leader of the Isle of Wight council from May 2013 until January 2015, when he stood down as leader. He announced the next day he was to stand as an Independent prospective parliamentary candidate.
Response from the Leader
OnTheWight wrote to Cllr Bacon posing a series of questions. He responded this morning, not answering our specific questions but providing this statement,
“I do not agree with the assertions made by Ian in his resignation letter that I or others have acted inappropriately.
“Trying to run the Administration has been an incredibly frustrating process for all Executive members and has been so since four members of the Independent Group left the group in September 2014.
“They became de facto Conservative supporters and that combination, together with UKIP, forming the majority of members in Full Council, decided to take the stance of wrecking and opposing rather than trying to address the problems the Isle of Wight faces.
“This is starkly illustrated by the fact that the Conservatives have failed to take control of the Council despite having the opportunity and ability to do so.
“Maybe Ian has experienced that situation more than others having been very much at the sharp end throughout this Administration. I think this is what is at the root of his frustration.”
