Ian Dore Re-Elected As Isle of Wight Council Chair

Councillor Ian Dore has been re-elected as the chair of the Isle of Wight Council.

After a 19 – 19 tie between the Binstead and Fishbourne independent and Reform UK challenger Tony Barry, Conservative vice-chair Vanessa Churchman’s casting vote sealed the contest in favour of the incumbent.

Cllr Barry has been elected as vice-chair.

Cllr Dore has held the role, which includes representing County Hall on ceremonial occasions and presiding over meetings of full council, since May 2025.

Another independent, Jonathan Bacon, seconded Cllr Dore for the position.

Cllr Dore, who was first elected to County Hall in 2021, previously served as part of the Alliance group during the council’s last term prior to the local elections.

He left the grouping in February this year, citing his responsibility to run meetings fairly and impartially and wanting impartiality to be “clearly visible”.