There are a lot of things touched on here – and to digest
Jonathan Bacon shares this press release on behalf of the Alliance Group of councillors at County Hall. Ed
The new Alliance Group, which now forms the Administration of the Isle of Wight council, thanks Conservative Leader Steve Hastings for his recent comments stating that he and his group wish to collaboratively engage with the Administration and that they wish to work constructively alongside the new Cabinet, but the Group waits to see what actually happens.
Peacey Wilcox: Sceptical about Cllr Hastings’ statement
Leader of the council and of the Alliance Group, Cllr Lora Peacey Wilcox, said,
Isle of Wight Conservative councillors pledge to work constructively with the leading Independent Alliance
The leader of the Island Conservatives group of councillors says he acknowledges that there are some issues which might benefit from the fresh perspective which the Alliance Group will bring
Cllr Steve Hastings shares this latest news on behalf of the Island Conservatives, in his own words. Ed
Following the establishment of the 18-strong Alliance Group at County Hall – drawing together independent and Green councillors to form an administration to lead the Council – the new Conservative Group Leader has pledged to work constructively with all councillors to serve the needs of the Island.
Today (Wednesday), he has released more detail about what that opposition will look like. Cllr Hastings said: It is common practice in many local authorities that the main opposition group forms a shadow team, to scrutinise and challenge those in power. Whilst the appointment of my team will broadly align with this model, I will place a particular emphasis on ensuring that we collaboratively engage with cabinet members and officers. Our approach will be simple: we will look at each issue from a constructive perspective. There will be a presumption in favour of supporting the intended policy approach, by adding ideas and suggestions to hopefully enhance what the new administration is hoping to achieve.
Cllr Mosdell’s ‘Roles should not be given out as sweets’ speech
Several readers have asked for a transcript of Cllr Clare Mosdell’s speech from last week’s full council meeting where spoke in favour of Cllr Steve Hastings being leader of the council, so here it is
At last week’s first full council meeting of the new Isle of Wight council since the 6th May election, Conservative councillor for Newchurch, Havenstreet and Ashey, Cllr Clare Mosdell, put forward her nomination for Cllr Steve Hastings to be voted in as Leader of the council.
Several readers who were following our live reporting (catch up here) have asked for a full transcript of Cllr Mosdell’s speech. We are happy to oblige and share below. Sometimes it can be hard to hear every word clearly when Cllrs are speaking to a time limit, so what is reproduced below is to the best of our ability given the recording was taken in a large sports hall and very echoey.