By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
A heated dispute between Isle of Wight councillors erupted this week, with accusations of bullying, threats, and racism disrupting two public meetings.
The row began on Tuesday, during a planning committee debate on the West Acre Park development, when Cllr Geoff Brodie (Independent Socialist) accused Cllr Caroline Gladwin (Reform UK) of failing to declare rental properties on her public register of interests. Cllr Gladwin denied wrongdoing, saying she had declared them privately to the monitoring officer due to “sensitivity” concerns, and accused Cllr Brodie of harassment.
Monitoring officer, Francis Fernandez, confirmed the properties were declared but not published. Conservative chairman, Warren Drew, said a dispensation had been granted due to concerns about intimidation.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday during a full council meeting on Hampshire and Solent devolution. Cllr Brodie objected to Cllr Gladwin’s inclusion in high-level talks, calling Reform UK “a racist organisation” and describing fellow ABC group member, Cllr David Adams, as a “fascist pig.”
Chairman, Cllr Ian Dore, suspended the meeting amid shouting and accusations of threats. Cllr Gladwin, visibly distressed, was escorted out and later returned. Cllr Adams denied Cllr Brodie’s claims, saying complaints against Cllr Brodie outnumbered those against him. The meeting resumed after a break.
After Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr Brodie submitted a memorandum signed by 18 councillors protesting about Cllr Gladwin’s undeclared interests and the monitoring officer’s handling of the matter. The signatories requested their own declarations be removed in solidarity.
Isle of Wight Observer