The Isle of Wight Council’s short-lived ABC group has disbanded following Reform UK’s recent by-election win.
Central Rural representative, Reform UK’s Caroline Gladwin, and independent Nettlestone and Seaview councillor David Adams had previously announced they had united to form a new group, called ABC.
The ABC group is now no more however.
The pair were caught in a storm of controversy with Independent Socialist councillor Geoff Brodie at the beginning of this month, when Cllr Brodie raised concerns over Cllr Gladwin’s register of interests and was accused in return of bullying and harassment.
Cllr Brodie called Cllr Adams a “fascist pig” and accused him of “making threats across the room” at a meeting on Hampshire and Solent devolution.
Commenting in September on the ABC group, Cllr Gladwin said:
“Committee seats are allocated to groups and Cllr Adams and I thought it was important to form a group to access the appropriate seats to best represent our residents and our wards.”
She now says the split and formation of a new Reform UK group is the “natural step to take” after Reform retained the Lake North Isle of Wight Council seat following a by-election on 2nd October.
New Lake North councillor Bill Nigh is the other member of County Hall’s Reform UK group, and has said his party is looking to “take control” of the council after the Isle of Wight Council elections next May.
Cllr Adams has not responded to a request for comment about the ABC group.
So, are they going to “take over the council” and follow the wishes of local electors?
Will they also start voting in council decisions then instead of abstaining on everything
These people are playing at being councillors. Their silly political gaming would be funny except they are going nothing for the wellbeing of the Island residents
What council elections in May
I recently read on national news that the May
elections may not happen next year.
J.S
If Brodie had any morals or ethics, he would have resigned following his despicable behaviour in full council. It’s not the first time he has behaved like a child, throwing tantrums and insults, in and out of County Hall. This pathetic excuse of a councillor was elected by residents to represent the Pan ward, and all he seems to have done throughout the years is embarrass himself and those he represents. It’s about time the IWC’s monitoring officer actually took a firm stance and held elected councillors accountable for their unprofessional and inappropriate behaviour! This man has been bullying (mainly women) for years and getting away with it. Enough is enough now!