By Press Release
Freshwater North & Yarmouth Councillor, Peter Spink, has resigned from the IW Conservative Councillors’ Group.
It follows the resignation last October of former Tory group leader, Steve Hastings.Cllr Spink informed the group of his decision at 9pm on Wednesday night. When contacted by the IW Observer at 9am yesterday morning (Thursday), Cllr Spink said: “As I only resigned a few hours ago, it’s a bit too early to say anything to the press.
“I told the group that my decision was final and I would not change my mind. I will explain in full later, but need to consider the situation.
“However, I am not leaving the Conservative Party and will continue to represent my constituents as an Independent Conservative to the best of my ability.”
Cllr Spink, who lives in Cranmore, was a criminal barrister for 30 years and grew up on the Island. He was elected in 2021, and his resignation means the Conservatives now hold 16 of the 39 available seats on the Island’s council.
Tory group leader, Cllr Joe Robertson, said: “Peter took exception to comments made by Matt Price at Planning Committee on April 25. He wanted me to step in, and when I declined he decided to leave the group. I wish him well and look forward to continuing to work with him on issues on which we agree.”
Cllr Spink’s resignation followed calls by Cllr Matthew Price for a review of the voting history of planning committee members after the controversial West Acre Park development was passed by just one vote. Cllr Spink said he did not think looking into the voting history was a good idea as it appeared to be a check to undermine the integrity of those who voted a certain way.
Cllr Price said: “I called for this review because we need to be sure that all members participate in the decision process fairly. I wasn’t singling out anyone in particular, and I would not have wished Peter to resign over my comments.
“The committee only considers the most difficult cases, so members must consider all the issues and make balanced judgements, including taking the advice of planning officers into account. If not, the council is at risk of losing the right to make our own decisions and losing huge sums fighting appeals. We shouldn’t allow the threat of appeals to make our decisions, but it must play a part in the process.”
