"Continuity, Competence And Consistency" — Cllr Phil Jordan Retains Leadership Role Following Tied Vote

Councillor Phil Jordan has retained his role as Leader of the Isle of Wight Council for another 12 months, thanks to a casting vote by Councillor Ian Dore.

At last night’s Full Council meeting, Cllr Jordan was re-elected as the leader following a tied vote, which saw him and the Conservative’s Councillor Ed Blake receive 18 votes apiece.

The tie saw the Council’s new chairman, Binstead’s Ian Dore, make the deciding vote – which went in Cllr Jordan’s favour.

Cllr Dore was narrowly elected to his role by 19 votes to 17.

Councillor Karl Love, who represents East Cowes, was ousted from the chairman role.

However, Vanessa Churchman, representing Haylands and Swamore, continues as Vice Chair.

Cllr Jordan had earlier stated his intention to continue as the Isle of Wight Council’s leader in a pitch for “continuity, competence and consistency.”

The head of County Hall’s ruling Alliance administration said it is “vital” to maintain “consistency and continuity in our relationships and establish the best deal for our Island in our negotiations with government”.

At their first full council meeting, Reform UK’s Cllr Caroline Gladwin and Cllr David Maclean both abstained in the leader and chair votes.

Cllr Geoff Brodie, who represents Pan and Barton, abstained in the leader vote but labelled the new councillors’ absentions “quite strange”.

“I’m going to do something I’ve never done in all my years on this council – I’m going to abstain…I find it quite strange that new councillors are abstaining – you should be doing the work in the time between your election and tonight to find out about people, in my view,” he said.

Speaking before the vote, Cllr Jordan said:

“In light of the additional year due to government postponing the elections, I am intending to stand for the leadership, especially to finish the job I started on devolution and local government re-organisation.

“I am best placed to undertake all of this because of my knowledge, my relationships with other leaders, with government and with ministers.

“This is a pivotal moment for our Island and we have less than a year to get the best outcomes, the best funding, the best transfer of powers and the key asks I have already made, such as oversight of the ferries and additional funding for the Island in a fair funding settlement.

“It is not the moment for someone to be ‘learning on the job’ or having ‘doubts’ about the past two years of intense work.

“Our Island comes first, before personal wishes or aspirations and I am confident, and best placed, that I can deliver the best outcome for the Isle of Wight.”