Steve Hastings, who represents the Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet ward on the Isle of Wight Council, has been named the new leader of the Island Conservatives after Dave Stewart lost his seat in Thursday’s election.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the former leader of the Isle of Wight Council and the Conservatives locally, Dave Stewart, lost his seat in the Chale, Niton and Shorwell ward to the Green’s Clare Critchison.
Now, less than 24 hours after the shock result was announced, it has been revealed that Councillor Steve Hastings will take over Dave’s role. However, the Conservatives do not have a majority at County Hall this time around and face creating a coalition.
Steve, who lives with his wife Bev, has been a member of the Isle of Wight Council since the 2017 elections. He retained his seat this week with 589 votes.
He has a fairly positive reputation and has been known to represent his ward well – but it remains to be seen what ideas he will bring to the table over the next 4 years, or however long he remains the Conservative’s leader.
Just another nest feather’er that’s in nobody’s interest other than his own.
And former Ukip councillor in Portsmouth prior to 2017.
I knew his brother, Battleof!
As one sith lord falls, another replaces them…
Definitely no Motorcycle racing then, and no protection from the over development of Ryde.
Diamond Races already have a licence, so that’s happening.
His ward is Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet. Will he, does he understand the differences/needs in Ryde, Sandown, Newport to his sleepy parishes? Let’s see what new blood brings to the ‘table’!!!!!
That’s a good point. It may be up to us to make the local issues which affect us known to such ones in authority, such as the constant drug running going on and youth crime. These are growing so fast and leading to a deterioration in the quality of life for residents in Ryde, Freshwater, Newport, Sandown and Shanklin,
– Keep on reporting, lobbying and speaking out until something is done !
…But is he “H”? we should be told!
Makes no difference who the leader in now they have no majority