Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley has stated that ‘devolution presents a huge opportunity for Islanders and for our communities to thrive’, as the Isle of Wight’s Cabinet voted to push ahead with a priority programme last night (Thursday).
Local Government Minister Jim McMahon delivered a statement to the House of Commons on the Government’s ‘English Devolution’ White Paper (16th December 2024) signalling opportunities ahead for local authorities across the country – including the Island.
Devolution will ‘reset the relationship between central and local government’ and is said to give communities, such as the Isle of Wight, greater ability to help shape their local areas.
The Isle of Wight West MP says he recognises the White Paper offers the Island more control over things that matter to them.
Richard Quigley MP has said:
“My job is to fight for the best deal for the Island. We need to be on the front foot in conversations with potential partners in devolution. This is our chance to have a bigger voice in our future, lobby for better funding, control of transport, housing, skills and employment support. Devolution presents a huge opportunity for Islanders and for our communities to thrive.”
“We all want what’s best for the Island. And I’ll continue to work with the council and colleagues in government on this.”
Richard adds:
“Plans for devolution could see some elections, including the Island’s local elections, delayed. This would allow local authorities and council officers the necessary resources to start planning for devolution. It is not a politically motivated decision but one of practicality. Elections require considerable resource and time”.
Last night the Alliance Cabinet went against the will of Full Council to unanimously agree to submit an expression of interest in the Government’s priority programme for devolution, as previously reported by Island Echo.
I don’t agree. This would not be good for the island in the long run. As a tax payer, it’s worrying.
I agree 110%
Labour are scared to hold local elections and that is the only reason they are pushing it.
As for MP Quigley, he is simply his masters puppet.
Could not have stated it better
They should be forced to hold local elections.
I totally agree with you Labour will do anything to avoid elections and yes Quigley is a puppet as you say. Mind you Jordan Bacon and friends are hopeless and need to go.
That’s why we need an election this year.
I thought it was His Majesty’s Government.
i would expect the King to intervene, he does sign
procedures off in Parliament.
I have never seen a Government so unpopular in such a
short time.
Mr Quigley doesn’t explain HOW devolution will benefit us. They all seem to forget that they are OUR employees and instead of unilaterally making a such a huge decision they should be asking US what we want. State the case for and against and then hold an island wide referendum. It should be OUR choice, not theirs!
The same MP that voted against the winter fuel allowance, public inquiry into child rape gangs and now this, just like most of Labour MPs they won’t stand up against freebie Keir. (don’t they realise Keir will cost them there seat/job) at the next local election
This is a valid statement, will more money be added to the trough of plenty? That’s another reasonit will be “beneficial” here
They are milking it while they can.
Imagine getting 5 years pay at over
£90,000.00+ a year, plus paid for 2nd home and
Unlimited expenses for 5 years.
How the hell would mainlanders know what special difficulties living on an island incurs? Keep the council on the island run by islanders.
Mainlanders would run the island more efficiently.
I have not formed a firm view one way or another. However, the question begs, why the unseemly haste? Since no one seems to have set out the dvantages or the disadvantages of any of the options it seems foolhardy to rush into anything. Whether the status quo is maintained or new arrangements put in place, the public should be able to choose with the benefit of all the available information and arguments and the time to consider those.Half baked plans rarely make for good outcomes.
Does he have an opinion or original thought of his own, or is he blindly toeing the Party Line? Don’t bother to answer that; he is just another Party “yes” man. Abolish the whipping system and democracy might flourish.
Socialist love big state wasting taxpayers money. More to the point Quigley, what have you done about the two most important issues facing the island. The appalling ferries with their over priced fares and our hospital that was too small the day it was finished back in the early 90’s. Oh yes, the grand sum of nothing. Like the rest of the parasites you’re only there to do as your dictator master tells you.
If Mr Quigley cant think for himself then why would the Island want devolutiom? The group that voted for it have got another years salary out of voting for it, against the position of the full council. Why?
It this a distraction! Mr Quigley will not support his own constituents. How many pensioners are suffering thanks to the Winnter Fuel Payments being withdrawn. Oh, and by the way Mr Quigley wants devolution to delay local council elections in May, which if held, may well give Labour a clear message that they are dishonest and incapable of doing the things they promised before the election!
Sleight of hand and dishonestly are the foundations of the Labour milestones and mission! I did not believe Kier Starmer when he was asked about pensions and the 25% tax free you can take currently when you take your private pension. He waffled and gave an incoherent answer.
It was correct not to trust Labour and I will never trust a Labour MP or Labour government again! The local elections must be held and these people in the Alliance Cabinet are not interested in democracy but only serving their own best interests. They should not be allowed to take our tax money as salary for this. No one has asked the island and they wont if they can push this though to serve their own goals. It is time we stood up to these disrepectful politicians and taught them a lesson in democracy!
Mr Quigley does not have the islanders best interest at heart at all he does not give one iota about any of us, the man is completely delusional, cancelling the local election just goes to prove Labour are running scared.
He is getting closer to his P45
so he is milking it while he still can.
What about the Ferries, it’s been over 100 days