By Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight Council chairman, Cllr Ian Dore, has confirmed he has left the Alliance Group and will sit as a non‑aligned councillor until May.
Cllr Dore said the decision was taken to ensure his impartiality is “clearly visible”, during a period that includes several significant decisions, such as the upcoming budget. He stressed that he remains an independent councillor and will continue to work with members across the chamber. He said: “As chairman, my responsibility is to run meetings fairly and impartially. Sitting without formal group alignment is the simplest way to achieve that.”
Cllr Dore also highlighted recent improvements in the tone of council meetings following the Penn Report, noting that the last two Full Council meetings had been “professional and measured”, with members focused on the issues and the residents they represent.
Cllr Dore said he is not joining any other group and will continue to focus on governance, resident casework, his Armed Forces Champion responsibilities, and work in his ward, which is currently experiencing major roadworks and further flooding, alongside ongoing flood‑mitigation work.
He also confirmed he will not be seeking to become chairman again after May.
