Council Chair Leaves Alliance Group Ahead Of Key Decisions At County Hall

The Chair of the Isle of Wight Council has stepped away from County Hall’s ruling Alliance group, choosing instead to sit as a non-aligned independent councillor.

Cllr Ian Dore confirmed the move on Monday afternoon (February 9), saying he wanted his impartiality as chair to be “clearly visible” ahead of a series of major decisions, including the setting of the Council’s budget.

The Binstead and Fishbourne councillor said his priority was to run meetings “fairly and consistently”, focusing on good governance and delivery for residents, while continuing to work with councillors across the chamber.

However, the decision marks a clear break from the group arrangement that supported his rise to the chair, and comes just months before he confirmed he will not be seeking the role again after May.

In a statement, Cllr Dore said he remained an independent councillor and was not planning to join any other political group, adding that “this is not about stepping back from responsibility”.

He also struck an optimistic note about recent conduct at County Hall, saying the “tone in the chamber” had improved noticeably since the publication of the Penn Report — a critical 31-page review which described the council as dysfunctional.

“There is a lot of important work to do between now and May,” he said, adding that he would continue to support “stable, lawful governance”.

Cllr Dore also cited practical pressures outside the chamber, pointing to increased casework in his ward, ongoing major roadworks, further flooding in Binstead, and continuing flood-mitigation efforts.

In addition, he said his role as Armed Forces Champion will demand increased attention between March and May, involving Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Covenant work requiring “sustained focus and multi-agency coordination”.

Cllr Dore joined the Isle of Wight Council following the 2021 elections and was elected chair in May 2025.