“Fascist Pig” Remark Halts Isle Of Wight Council Meeting As Tensions Boil Over

A dramatic series of exchanges between Isle of Wight councillors has thrown County Hall into turmoil this week — with accusations of bullying, political bias, and undisclosed interests erupting during two tense public meetings.

Last Tuesday (30 September), what began as a debate on the controversial 473-home West Acre Park development quickly spiralled into a personal and political clash between councillors Geoff Brodie (Independent Socialist), Caroline Gladwin (Reform UK, Alliance for Better Councils group), and David Adams (Independent, ABC group).

Cllr Brodie raised questions about Cllr Gladwin’s declaration of property interests, prompting angry exchanges in the chamber.

Cllr Gladwin accused him of harassment and claimed she was being “bullied” — later calling the issue a “police matter.”

Monitoring Officer Francis Fernandez clarified that while Cllr Gladwin had declared her rental properties privately, they were not published publicly due to “sensitivity concerns.”

However, the explanation did little to calm tempers, with several councillors later signing a joint statement calling for transparency over members’ declarations.

The situation worsened the following evening (1 October) during a full council meeting about Hampshire and Solent devolution.

The meeting had to be suspended after shouting broke out and insults were traded, including Cllr Brodie calling another councillor a “fascist pig.”

Chair Ian Dore was forced to strike his gavel and suspend proceedings temporarily.

The tension highlights growing division within the Isle of Wight Council as it faces key decisions on regional devolution — decisions that could shape how the Island is governed and funded in the years ahead.

The row also raises wider concerns about the tone of political debate on the Island, with residents left questioning whether councillors are focused on representing the public’s interests or locked in personal disputes.

The full recording of both meetings will be uploaded to the Isle of Wight Council’s official YouTube channel: Isle of Wight Council Meetings.