A motion of no confidence in the current Isle of Wight Council Leader Lora Peacey-Wilcox has today (Tuesday) been submitted just over a month after Conservative Councillor Suzie Ellis dropped a similar motion from the County Hall agenda.
It was just over 1 month ago that Island Echo reported that a motion had been set against Peacey-Wilcox – who had been in charge of the authority for some 2 years under the Alliance Banner.
This came after a turbulent period at County Hall, with 2 crucial cabinet positions vacated and 5 councillors — 4 from the ruling Alliance Administration — jumping ship to a different group.
Just a week later though on 19th July, the motion was withdrawn.
A statement from Councillor Ellis has said:
“I can confirm that a motion has been submitted to Full Council, proposing that there is “no confidence” in the current leadership of the Isle of Wight Council, and that Cllr Peacey-Wilcox is replaced as Council Leader by myself.
“This motion, which will be considered at the Full Council meeting of Wednesday 20th September, has the declared support of 20 members of the Isle of Wight Council.
“I believe that Lora has worked very hard for the Island and has discharged her duties with the best interests of the Island in mind – therefore this motion is not a reflection on her as an individual.
Article continues below this advertisement “It is about the need for the Council to have leadership which is prepared to make the right – and sometimes difficult – decisions in a timely manner, and which can command the support of a wider set of members across the Council Chamber. On 20th September, all councillors will have the opportunity to decide the best way forward for the Isle of Wight Council.
“When the agenda for this meeting is published on Tuesday 12th September, I will set out further details about why this is being proposed and our intended approach.”
UPDATE @ 15:11 – In a statement, members of the Empowering Islanders group have said:
“We believe that the Executive Leader undertook and conducted her role over the past two years with diligence and fortitude and that few could have strived so hard in attempting to better the lives of Islanders, our Island economy and Council services.
“Recognising the many challenges ahead and the difficult decisions which must be made, Empowering Islanders believe the best route forward now for our Island is to establish a strong, stable administration and Leadership backed by the majority of elected Members, providing clear policy direction to Council staff, and able to call on the best talent available across the Chamber irrespective of political affiliations”.
Meanwhile, Councillor Andrew Garratt of the Lib Dems has said:
“We see no credible reason why the Liberal Democrats should prefer a Conservative council leader instead of Cllr Lora Peacy-Wilcox.
“Many of the previous Conservative administration are still on the council. That administration, in tandem with a Conservative government, led to cuts across many vital services. A particularly harsh example was their cut to help for low-income families when they slashed council tax support.
“I’ve urged Cllr Ellis not to wait till mid-September to elaborate on her plans for a Conservative administration. Setting those out now would allow Islanders to consider the implications and let their councillors know what they think about changing council leadership.”
All this fannying about. Why can’t those elected get on and do the job their constituents elected them to do? And, if they are incapable, the employer terminates their contract like any (typical) job. And no financial payout, either.
What a waste of time and money. I want elected members to get on and deal with proper stuff, such as stopping the dingy divers, reducing council tax, repairing & restore boarded properties and renting them to Caulkheads (only). Get those on Universal Credit who are not working to contribute to the Island; by collecting litter and restoring unkempt gardens & public lawns. Force Universal Credit claimants to do voluntary work to earn their benefits. And, if they refuse, dock their benefits; simples!
“repairing & restore boarded properties and renting them to Caulkheads (only)”
“Force Universal Credit claimants to do voluntary work to earn their benefits. And, if they refuse, dock their benefits”
Wow Stefan, you certainly got out the wrong side of bed this morning. First, people own the houses that you want to steal and give to “Caulkheads” who you presumably define as highly inbred locals. Second, I don’t think your forced labour camps would be acceptable under UK law. I could be wrong but I think slavery was banned many years ago, unless there is a local byelaw that allows it. Hope you have a nice day.
Sorry but totally agree with Stefan there to many people moving here and taking the houses etc and forcing the prices up.And agree with people earning there benefits there are to many people that don’t want to work.people on tax credits that work and claim to make there money up is fine they wouldn’t be able to manage on are low wages here
Thanks for you truly lucid commentary Worzel Gummidge. Can I have a translation from the Crowman?
Not the wrong side of the bed. I’m tired of this country handing out money and spending it on multiple flags to please the minority. I’ve supported individuals in debt at a Money Advice Centre for many years. What I have seen in the last ten years is a culture change. Many adults are more interested in getting tattoos, humongous false nails, fake tans and hair extensions instead of feeding and clothing their children. Rather than pay their rent or mortgage arrears, mothers are more interested in their £120 a month Netflix/Sky type contracts.
In ’73/’74, I remember adults knocking on doors, asking for cash in hand work due to the 3-day week. How did families cope back then? But they did, without tax credits etc.
Dole in the 70s was about 20% of average earnings but it is now less than 10%. So unemployed people had twice as much to live on in the 70s compared with now in real terms.
Difficult decisions? You mean ‘funding cuts and closures’. Yes agree the Tories are experts at this.
The schools will be first to get the chop. Followed by other loss-making public services. Then prices for what’s left will be shooting up.
And let’s blame it all on global developments and COVID. Nothing to do with UK government failures or Brexit.
Get her out and start afresh
It’s time for a “deep clean” of the council, the MP, and a thorough investigation of where all the money is going, £2.2 million on housing Ukranians, yes they have a war but come on, not here, and yet there is over £8 million in deficit, I smell a massive dead fish. Catch this lot out and name names.
This Alliance Party I thought would change how the Isle of Wight County Hall was run; it hasn’t. How can the Council be £8 million in debt; where has the money gone? My concern is that many elected by Islanders jumped ship from the Alliance and moved to another party. How can that be democratic? There should have been a re-election where taxpayers should decide.
At this rate, the Government will step in and remove the leadership where it will be controlled centrally. This has happened to many councils in the last five years.
Difficult decision usually means not affecting those that can actually pay. Rich multiple homeowners and yacht owners continue to pay a pittance for ultimate luxuries, which could easily stem the deficit. Every council target casing down a few quid with narrow-minded schemes but continually ignore the bigger picture.
“….AGAIN AS TORIES MAKE U-TURN”
That’s about all the Tory party is good at these days,.. U-Turns..
oh and lying…
The two things the Tory’s are good at
U-Turns
Lying
Oh, and corruption. … and sleaze
and espectially trying to transfer as much wealth as possible from the poor to the rich
So, apart from
U-Turns
Lying
Corruption,
Sleaze
and trying to transfer as much wealth as possible from the poor to the rich…
…..What have the Tory’s ever done for us?
Ruined the NHS ?
Tories make more ‘U’ Turns than a driving school.
I want to be captain and it’s my ball so if you don’t let me be captain we won’t have a game.Almost everyone is on the take but not prepared to give in life.Why don’t we all respect each other and help each other out.It used to work many moons ago but now it’s all grab grab grab.I’m alright Jack attitude!
Whoever you vote for government always wins
Both have the same Elite Boss
Let’s be honest we have a no confidence vote in any of these numptys….
All as bad as each other .!!!!!!!
Sack them all total waste of time effort and space !!!!!
IWC just a bunch of Amateurs .. get rid of and start again.. yes disruption but a better and more effective council ..that islands have selected ..
Replacing one useless council member with another useless council member. The IOW council is in disarray and a total shambles. The people of the IOW deserve better.
Sack the lot of them and start again.
Whatever happens here: –
Spot on. How many hold the the door open for you now.