Council Row Erupts Over Local Government Shake-Up Vote

A war of words has broken out at County Hall following last week’s controversial vote on local government reorganisation (LGR).

East Cowes independent councillor Karl Love has accused council leader Phil Jordan of shutting down debate and failing to consider all the options on the table.

Cllr Love says a rival plan put forward by Hampshire County Council and East Hampshire District Council – called ‘Simpler. Stronger. Secure’ – should have been discussed at the full council meeting last Wednesday.

That plan would see four councils created across the Hampshire and Solent area, with the Isle of Wight retaining its unitary authority.

Hampshire’s Conservative leader, Nick Adams-King, argues the model is backed by “solid evidence”, with the potential to save around £50 million a year while keeping decision-making close to communities.

But it was a different proposal that went before Isle of Wight councillors: the ‘Close enough to be local, big enough to stay strong’ bid, backed by 12 mainland councils including Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester.

That option recommends five unitary authorities, with the Island staying as it is. Supporters claim it could deliver nearly £64 million in annual savings.

Cllr Love, who opposed the five-unitary model, insists members were wrongly prevented from seeing Hampshire’s alternative:

“We should have been able to view these documents because they were in the public domain.

"All options should be considered by councillors, even if they turn out not to be appropriate.”

His comments sparked a swift rebuttal.

Cllr Jordan hit back, describing the remarks as “wholly inaccurate” and accusing Cllr Love of misunderstanding the council’s constitution.

He stressed that meeting agendas and papers are set out in law, not by the council leader.

Council chair Ian Dore was equally firm, saying he was “disappointed” by Cllr Love’s claims:

“All the appropriate papers were presented in advance of the September 17 meeting in line with the rules.

"The Hampshire bid was not part of those papers, and introducing it late could have put our unitary bid at risk.”

With the Island’s preferred option now submitted, both supporters and critics agree the final decision rests with central government – leaving the Isle of Wight’s future governance in Westminster’s hands.