Councillor Clare Mosdell has resigned as leader of the Isle of Wight Conservative Group, with Ventnor’s Ed Blake stepping up to the role, bringing a fresh perspective and continued commitment to the group’s future.
Following a unanimous decision, the Conservative Group has today elected Councillor Ed Blake as their new leader.
Ed only became a councillor in December 2023 following a tightly contested local by-election for Ventnor and St Lawrence.
Commenting on his appointment, Ed Blake has said:
“I’m delighted to have been elected Leader of the Conservative Group on the Isle of Wight Council by my colleagues.
“First, I want to thank outgoing leader Cllr Clare Mosdell for her outstanding leadership. She has been a great influence, and I will continue to learn from her. Clare was the reason I became a candidate—her encouragement was key in my decision to stand, and I will always be grateful for that.
“As a Council, we face some huge challenges to overcome, and my emphasis will always be on decision-making, action, and delivery for our residents.”
Cllr Mosdell will continue to serve as a councillor until the next election, reaffirming her dedication to representing the people of the Isle of Wight.
Tim Jeffreys, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association, expressed his deep gratitude for Clare’s service:
“Clare has been an outstanding leader and a driving force within our association. Her guidance and support were pivotal in my decision to stand as chairman, and I am incredibly thankful for her encouragement and wisdom. Clare’s eloquence, deep knowledge, and passion for the Isle of Wight Conservatives have been invaluable, and we thank her for everything she has achieved on behalf of the party.
“As we enter this transition, I am confident that Cllr Ed Blake will bring strong leadership and a fresh approach to the role. With Clare’s ongoing support and experience, Ed is well-positioned to continue the progress we have made, ensuring effective leadership for the future.”
Joe Robertson, Isle of Wight East MP, added:
“Ed brings new energy and a fresh perspective to the Conservative Group at the Council. I’m already working alongside him on key issues such as supporting local business and securing the Isle of Wight’s independence from the Government’s proposed mainland merger.
“I want to thank Clare for her dedication and leadership during a challenging time in local politics. She has made a significant contribution throughout her time on the Council, not least as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care from 2017-2021. While Clare is stepping down as Leader of the Conservative Group, I am pleased that she will continue serving as a councillor, bringing her experience and dedication to representing residents”.
Goodness me…so many changes of head in such a short time! 5 now in 4 years. Is that a record or are they trying to beat the record set by Liz Truss for most inept? It’s either a poisoned chalice or they are still trying to find the very best snake-oil salesman with the straightest face.
Better than Reformers, a bunch of hooligans.
Tories are usually well educated persons.
Get your facts straight, tories well educated, you make me laugh. Why are you so scared of Reform, got something to hide??? You’re getting boring now, so change the record.
Look at a Reform Voter, they are so stupid
they don’t know what they are voting for.
The majority of them are r acist thugs /
football hooligans.
All they are concerned about are stopping
migration.
Idiots!
Your comments get more idiotic by the day,silly little tory.
You must he one of the uneducated Reform thugs!
No place in society for such people!