The Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed that local elections will not go ahead on the Isle of Wight in May and has also confirmed that the existence of the Isle of Wight Council may be in question.

Angela Rayner said during a statement on devolution in the Chamber of the House of Commons this afternoon: “We are not in the business of holding elections to bodies that won’t exist and where we don’t know what would replace them.

“This would be an expensive and irresponsible waste of taxpayers’ money.” She then explained that “To that end” she would be postponing elections in nine areas, including the Isle of Wight.

After the conclusion of her statement, Isle of Wight East MP, Joe Robertson, pointing out that the Isle of Wight is already a unitary authority, asked Mrs Rayner: “Can she confirm that means that the future reorganisation of the Isle of Wight Council is on the negotiation table, otherwise, why should she be cancelling our elections?”

The Deputy Prime Minister said: “The Honourable Member will note, just the fact that it is an Island does provide limitations, but of course nothing has been taken off the table.” She concluded by saying that the government wants to deliver devolution for the people of the Isle of Wight and would work with him and other local leaders to deliver it.

Speaking after the exchange Mr Robertson said: “We have been repeatedly assured by IW Council leader, Phil Jordan that devolution posed no threat to the future of our council. The Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed this isn’t correct.

“I think we are in dangerous territory where the future of the Isle of Wight Council is in doubt.

“It’s possible it could be merged with part of the mainland, but I will be doing all I can to ensure the IW Council remains intact and independent.”

“Our local elections have now been cancelled so Island residents won’t even get a say. In my view we should be negotiating for our own Island mayor first.  This should be the starting point of any negotiation.”

Cllr Jordan and Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West have been contacted for comment.