Councillor Geoff Brodie has revealed his intention to submit a vote of no confidence motion against Council Leader Phil Jordan over his decision not to put the closure of 6 Isle of Wight primary schools to Full Council.
The independent Labour representative for Pan and Barton has told Councillor Phil Jordan that if he does not change his mind about the decision-making by Friday, a motion will be put before Full Council on 15th January to seek a vote of no confidence.
It’s thought that if the motion does go ahead it would command the support of the 16 Conservatives and 3 Empowering Islanders councillors – a majority in the Chamber.
Cllr Brodie says:
“Closing schools is a huge issue for parents, children and staff across the Island and for the IW Council. It’s similar to the decision back in 2011 to close 16 middle schools and change to a two-tier school system.
“In 2011, the decision was made by all 40 members of the Council. To his credit, the then Council leader recognised that this was not something that could be limited to just his Cabinet.
“Sadly, the current Council leader takes a different view. Cllr Phil Jordan on Thursday plans to railroad through the closure of 6 schools via his Cabinet of just 8 members of the now 39 member Council.
“This is hardly democratic given he can only rely upon the 13 councillors of his Independents/Green Party Alliance to support him. Just one third of the Council, though the 4 LibDems, can usually be relied upon to be puppy dogs when required.
Article continues below this advertisement “Ironically, thanks to my initiative, this Council has agreed to abolish the undemocratic Cabinet system of governance next May, when major decisions like this will always be taken by all 39 councillors.
Cllr Brodie adds:
“It would also put on the spot Alliance and Lib Dem councillors with schools in their wards slated for closure (Paul Fuller – Cowes Primary, Rodney Downer – Wroxall, Michael Lilley – Oakfield) and the 2 Greens given their party’s support for rural schools.
“I am disappointed that I have to do this to Cllr Jordan who I have always liked, respected and had supported to be leader in September 2023.
“But this is about ALL councillors being able to take a view on a major decision on behalf of ALL Islanders. It’s what we were elected to do. It’s called democracy.
“Please do the right thing, Phil.”
Brodie the bigot,a bit like jarman the closet tory,the WHOLE COUNCIL should be subject to a vote of no confidence,and jarman,considering the chaos he caused in chambers last year should be barred from being a councillor!
Why don’t people understand if there are not enough
children attending a school, the school cannot stay open
for a few children.
Schools close all round the country, Councils are not a
Charity organisation.
Imagine an Hotel with hardly any customers, eventually
they close down.
Get over it.
Lots of little schools with empty places can never be as cost effective for our children. Simple mathematics and economics.
Very true.
Merging schools together is better for everyone.
Its all talk
the only words these people know is a simple no from the get go
this will have been on the cards for a few years and the discussion will have ended with closure before it was leaked. Just like putting double yellow lines all over the island then agreeing to every single one.
we are just the public that pay there wages to keep them warm and fed.