By Isle of Wight Observer
The IW Council’s annual general meeting on Wednesday led to changes in leadership roles, but not without controversy.
The first vote of the evening saw Cllr Ian Dore elected as chairman in a close contest against Cllr Karl Love, who had held the position for the past year. Some councillors called foul when Cllr Love, as the sitting chairman, was not allowed to preside over the ballot and vote for himself. He was required to leave the room, while Cllr Dore was allowed to stay and cast his vote.
Councillors raising concerns were assured that the practice was as a result of case law. Following his election, Cllr Dore chaired the remainder of the meeting.
Cllr Vanessa Churchman was elected unopposed as vice-chairman.
The chairman election proved pivotal during the subsequent vote for the council leader. The vote ended in a tie, with Cllrs Phil Jordan and Ed Blake each receiving 18 votes. Cllr Dore broke the deadlock with his casting vote, electing Cllr Jordan as leader.
While Cllr Dore said he was “disgusted” with the handling of controversial school closures, he cited the need for continuity in
leadership. Cllr Andrew Garratt was then chosen as the new deputy leader, defeating Cllr Chris Jarman.
The meeting also introduced an important structural change for the council. The cabinet system, in which individual cabinet members made decisions, will now be replaced by a committee-based system.
Decisions will be made collectively by councillors in committees.
Councillors acting as committee chairmen and vice-chairmen are:
Policy, Finance & Resources – Chairman: Phil Jordan; Vice-chairman: Andrew Garratt Adult Social Care, Public Health & Housing – Chairman: Claire Mosdell; Vice-chairman: Sarah Redrup; Children’s Services, Education & Skills – Chairman: Paul Brading; Vice-chairman: Michael Lilley Economy, Regeneration, Transport & Infrastructure: Chairman: Julie Jones-Evans; Vice-chairman: Ian Ward Environment and Community Protection: Chairman: Karen Lucioni; Vice-chairman: Ed Blake Appeals Committee – Chairman: Karl Love Audit and Governance – Chairman: Peter Spink Licensing Committee: Chairman: Jonathan Bacon Pension Fund Committee: Chairman: Chris Jarman Planning Committee: Chairman: Warren Drew; Vice-chairman: Matt Price.
