By Isle of Wight Observer
The Island has welcomed a new Local Democracy Reporter to help keep tabs on the Isle of Wight Council and other publicly-funded bodies.
Rufus Pickles originally hails from London, but has spent most of his journalistic career in Scotland. Having started his new job last week he is now busy getting to know the Island and is looking forward to getting stuck into his new role.
The Local Democracy Reporting scheme is a BBC initiative, which funds journalists across the UK. Although they are employed by a local contractor, in Rufus’ case the IW County Press, all their output is pooled and shared with local news organisations.
The post has been vacant since Louise Hill left in April to open a café in St Helens.
When he called in to say hello to the IW Observer team this week, Rufus said: “As the Island’s new local democracy reporter, I am looking forward to hold the Isle of Wight County Council and its decision-making to account, as well as cover a wide range of local democracy issues including housing, planning, education, social services, health and more.”
Welcome to the Island Rufus – we look forward to working with you.
