The Ryde Neighbourhood Board has released an official statement following the immediate resignation of its chair, Steven Holbrook, last Friday (5th June).
As previously reported by Island Echo, the former chair, Steven Holbrook, resigned with immediate effect, claiming recent Government changes have left the position vulnerable to political influence and undermined the Board’s independence.
In an earlier statement regarding his resignation, Steven, who has held the position since March 2024, explained that the position had become ‘very different’ from the one he originally accepted and claimed changes to Government guidance meant the Chair was no longer ‘free from potential influence from politicians and agendas’.
As a result, the remaining members of the Ryde Neighbourhood Board have released the following statement:
“The Board would like to thank Steven for his hard work as chair of the Ryde Neighbourhood Board.
“He has led the board with real commitment helping lead it to an exciting new stage, with the imminent launch of a community grants programme and a new initiative to give businesses in the town a stronger voice.
“A new chair will be appointed in due course and the role will be advertised. In the meantime, Rachael Randall, currently the deputy, will serve as acting chair.”
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Acting chair Rachael Randall said:
“Steve has guided the board through an important period, helping put the necessary strong foundations in place.
“Thanks to that work, we are now ready to launch projects that will bring the Pride in Place programme to life.”
