After almost 40 years of dedicated service to the people of Newport, Councillor Shirley Smart is stepping back from public life and has resigned from Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council. Due to her continuing ill health, Shirley has decided now is the right time to stand down from her duties. She handed in her resignation on Monday evening. Originally elected in a 1982 by-election as a Liberal to Medina Borough Council for the Newport Mountjoy ward, Shirley also became the County Councillor for Brighstone & Shorwell in 1989 and then for Mountjoy in 1993. One of the original members of the 1995 unitary Isle of Wight Council, yet again for Mountjoy, she chaired its Planning Committee for many years before she became Lib Dem leader of the Council in 2000, only to lose her seat in 2005. Shirley returned to County Hall for Newport South (including Mountjoy) from 2013-21 as an Independent before losing to current incumbent Councillor Martin Oliver. Although no longer sitting on the local authority, Shirley has continued as a Town Councillor for Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, which she has been a member of since it was emparished in 2008. She was Chair of the Community Council in 2022-23. Shirley was also a very committed supporter of Newport Carnival, for whom she worked tirelessly over many years, and was also previously involved with the Isle of Wight Buildings Preservation Trust, Natural Enterprise, the Isle of Wight Law Centre, The Riverside Centre and Visit Isle of Wight. Cllr Oliver, who was elected Chair of the Community Council on Monday evening, has said:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Shirley over the last 3 years for the residents of Mountjoy & Shide, she will be sorely missed along with her vast experience & knowledge.”
Councillor Geoff Brodie said:
“I have known Shirley for 30 odd years. We were often political opponents, but we were always able to set that aside in the interests of Newport & Carisbrooke. We worked together to emparish the area and she will be missed by me during my remaining time as a councillor.”
Having sat alongside Shirley at many meetings I can honestly say that I have never met such a committed and dedicated member of the island community as Shirley. A warm and positive person. A real asset to the island. Thank you for your years of service.
We need more people like Shirley, I worked for a company and our paths crossed once a month, she wanted to make things better for people, such a kind heart.
As someone who sat on the Conservative side of the chamber for a number of years and had a great respect for her, can I wish her all the best. She was a great campaigner for social housing, something we need today.
WOW!! That is some statement from a Tory. Pity Thatcher didn’t think the same in the early 80’s before selling all the social housing stock off, mainly to tory profiteers.
I was proud to have served with Shirley on Isle of Wight Councillor.
Over many years she has served her community with dedication, and she will be missed
Enjoy a well earned retirement.
I knew Shirley when I was a County councillor, I remember how hard she worked as Stephen Ross agent, and then in county hall . The Council was a very satisfying and great place to be in, no matter what political side you chose, there was a genuine goal for all the island. I missed those days when I emigrated down under and find it so sad reading the comments about council now. Still love to island. Enjoy your hard earned retirement Shirley
I remember Shirley when I was a nipper. Where have the years gone? It was only yesterday that I saw her planting flowers in St. James Square.
We send our love to Shirley. She has work so hard for the Isle-of-Wight. Kind regards from Lyn and John Fleming, from Shanklin. x
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