Councillor Raises Concerns Over Culture At Newport And Carisbrooke Community Council

A Newport and Carisbrooke community councillor has spoken out about what she describes as serious cultural issues within the local authority, following the recent resignation of council clerk Joshua Tombleson.

Cllr Louise Rippon has criticised what she calls an “unsafe, unkind and unethical” leadership culture at Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC).

She claims the council has become a place “where bullying and toxic culture is dressed up as free speech” and says she is worried about the welfare of staff.

Cllr Rippon says she has witnessed staff feeling “unsafe” and “pushed to breaking point”, adding:

“For months, I have spoken up about a leadership culture that is far from what public service is meant to be.

"At the centre of this has been the leadership style of the chair, supported by the former vice-chair.

"A style where process becomes optional, transparency becomes an inconvenience, and those who speak up are treated as the problem.”

She went on to describe the council as a “modern-day rotten borough”, claiming a small group is directing outcomes, limiting transparency, and “closing ranks when questioned”.

Several councillors have now submitted a motion calling for a vote of no confidence in the chair.

According to Cllr Rippon, the request has not yet been acted upon, prompting her to call for greater transparency, accountability and cultural change within the authority.

In response, five NCCC committee chairs — including council chair Vix Lowthion and former vice-chair Julie Jones-Evans — have issued a joint statement.

They say it would be inappropriate to comment on individual allegations but stress that the wellbeing of staff is a priority.

The statement said:

“We take confidentiality, dignity and the wellbeing of our employees extremely seriously.

"The council continues to ensure that appropriate meetings are convened in line with legislation and Standing Orders, including those requested by councillors.

"Our priority remains the same: to support our staff, uphold good governance, and maintain a safe, respectful and transparent environment for everyone who works with or serves the council.

"We ask for patience while the appropriate processes are followed and independent advice concludes.”