Surprising news for many, but not for some, is the announcement today that Cllr Wayne Whittle is to join the Isle of Wight Conservatives.
Council leader, David Pugh got in touch with VB this afternoon to share the news.
Cllr Whittle was voted as county councillor for the Ryde North East area back in 2009 as an Independent.
In a letter to residents in his area, he said,
In June 2009, I was elected as the IW Councillor for the Ryde North East area, with a commitment to exercise my independent judgement in determining how to best fulfill my responsibilities to residents of the ward.
Over the past three years, it has been increasingly clear to me that I can best represent the interests of local people by working constructively with the main team of councillors “” the Conservatives.
I have therefore decided to join the majority Conservative Group at County Hall, to enable me to work as part of this main team. In doing so, I am confident that this step will strengthen my ability to get things done and be influential on behalf of the community I serve.
This decision has been taken following very careful consideration over several months. Whilst I have not agreed with all the decisions made by the Conservatives in recent times, I have concluded that in joining them I can be a challenging (but constructive) team member; working within the Conservative values and principles which they all share. I feel that my personal values and principles align with these.
The Conservative Team is made up of community-focused individuals such as myself who work hard to ensure that the needs of their local areas are taken into account. At the same time they have a shared determination to make the necessary decisions “” in a timely manner “” for the future of the Island.
It is therefore my intention to seek re-election in Ryde North East next year (May 2013) as a Conservative candidate, reaffirming the approach I have set out above.
I can assure you that this change in status at County Hall will not affect my overriding priority in promoting and representing your interests as Ryde North East residents; indeed I am confident that it will enhance it. Whilst I will be a member of the Conservative Team at County Hall, I will of course continue to work in Ryde with all councillors (of all parties and none) for the benefit of our community
