A new chair of the Isle of Wight Council has been elected — despite her predecessor saying they faced abuse and threats from the public.
At a quarrelsome meeting of the Isle of Wight Council last night (Wednesday), it was all change as a new chair and vice-chair were chosen.
Last year, independent Labour member Councillor Geoff Brodie took the highest civic position within the authority.
In a speech before he left the role, however, Cllr Brodie said it was not one he wished to repeat; having been persuaded in the first instance to go against his long-held values and fill the role where there is an expectation to have a Christian faith and support the monarchy, neither of which he had.
He said he was better placed as an opposition councillor for the next 3 years to hold any administration to account rather than presiding over it.
The 2 contenders to take over the chair were Councillors Claire Critchison, the incumbent vice-chair, and Chris Quirk, a former chair of the planning committee.
Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, leader of the council, nominating Cllr Critchison, said she had been an excellent vice-chair, attending the events Cllr Brodie had declined.
Councillor Joe Robertson, leader of the Conservative group at County Hall, nominated Cllr Quirk, saying with there being no overall control in the council it would be sensible, fair and reasonable to swing the position between the 2 largest groups.
Cllr Brodie said it was imperative there was a chair who could handle difficult meetings. He said he had faced abuse and threats of violence from the public gallery — over a row with the leader of the council and her alleged ownership of racially-offensive dolls — and was confident in Cllr Quirk due to his experience.
Cllr Critchison, the Green Party member for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, was elected by 20 votes to 18, and thanked those who elected her. She said it was a huge honour she would not take lightly and would continue to develop the important role over the next year.
Cllr Critichison said reflection sessions held before meetings would continue after prayers were stopped under Cllr Brodie’s chair. She said she would introduce a multi-faith element to the sessions, so differences and diversity could be celebrated.
Councillor Michael Lilley was elected as vice-chair, securing 20 votes against Cllr Quirk’s 18.
The usual council cabaret show then.
The merry go round of pocket filling continues at our expense. I’m sure the the class of 5 year olds my wife teaches are better behaved, and more morally responsible!
I’m sure Cllr Brodie can be relied upon to cause more disruption at any future Council meeting. Cllr Brodie respect has to be earned…end of.
I agree with only me. Councillor Brodie always seems up for the fight, even if there’s no need for one, and thats counter productive. Probably even with him in the background meetings will be tainted.
Respect does NOT have to be earned. One can gain respect, but even animals deserve respect.
Who cares? – they’re all as useless (and corrupt) as each other!
If you can do better then volunteer
No thanks. I wouldn’t want to be associated with them in any way, shape or form.
Another new broom i suggest nailing down the carpets