By Isle of Wight Observer
A stalwart of local government on the Island has handed in her resignation as a councillor after 40 years of public service.
On Monday, Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council received Shirley Smart’s resignation, due to continuing ill health.
Shirley, together with Cllr Geoff Brodie, was the driving force behind the formation of the community council in 2008. She has served on it continuously ever since, and was chairman in 2022-23.
Originally elected in 1982 to Medina Borough Council for the Newport Mountjoy ward, she became the county councillor for Brighstone & Shorwell in 1989 and then for Mountjoy in 1993. She represented Mountjoy on the new unitary IW Council from 2005, becoming LibDem leader of the council in 2000, but lost her seat in 2005.
In 2013 Shirley returned to County Hall, representing Newport South (including Mountjoy) as an Independent until 2021.
Cllr Martin Oliver, who was elected chairman of the Community Council on Monday evening, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Shirley over the last three years for the residents of Mountjoy & Shide; she will be sorely missed along with her vast experience and knowledge.”
Cllr Brodie said: “I have known Shirley for 30-odd years. We were often political opponents, but we were always able to set that aside in the interests of Newport and Carisbrooke. She will be missed by me during my remaining time as a councillor.”
Shirley was also a committed supporter of Newport Carnival, and worked tirelessly to put on wonderful events over many years.
The council will make a presentation to Shirley at a later date.
Isle of Wight Observer