Isle of Wight Liberal Democrat councillors have confirmed they will form their own official group on Isle of Wight Council following the recent local elections.
The Liberal Democrats say they are now the second largest party on the authority and will play what they describe as a “constructive role” on a council with no overall control.
The Liberal Democrat group members are Andrew Garratt (Parkhurst & Hunnyhill), Michael Lilley (Ryde Appley and Elmfield), Mark Rochell (Bembridge) and Nick Stuart (Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet), all of whom were elected earlier this month.
Group leader, Cllr Andrew Garratt, has said:
“We shall play a constructive role in a council which, once again, has no group in overall control.
“Two issues stood out in this election: worries that the cost of living is spiralling upwards again, and the impact of poorly coordinated major road works on daily lives.”
Cllr Garratt said Liberal Democrat councillors would continue pushing for greater support for Islanders facing financial hardship.
He added:
“Lib Dem councillors will continue to work to ensure that those most at risk of financial hardship are properly supported. We have consistently pressed for tackling poverty to be an overarching priority.”
The party also highlighted disruption caused by major highways works across the Isle of Wight, saying businesses and residents had been heavily affected.
Cllr Garratt said:
“Yet again major road works have caused massive disruption to residents. Businesses have lost vital trade.
“We are already pressing council officers for a complete rethink of road works planning to ensure that there is proper consultation and backed up by transparent decision-making, drawing on the experience of work done by Lib Dem councillors to ensure stakeholders met weekly during the two sets of extensive road works on Horsebridge Hill.”
The Liberal Democrats say other priorities will include protecting services for vulnerable residents, increasing affordable housing and securing investment for the Isle of Wight through the proposed devolved combined authority.
Mmmm constructive role or we are right whatever attitude. Same old, same old. Let’s see if this new Council can work together for a change.
Constructive role or we are right attitude. Same old, same old. About time this Council started working together. The public voted for new ideas so listen to each other and deliver for the Island.