Isle Of Wight ‘Needs Fresh Elections’, Says MP After Damning Council Report

The Island is “in need of a fresh set of elections”, according to Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson, following the release of the Penn report which labelled County Hall “dysfunctional”.

Mr Robertson, who is also the county councillor for Bembridge, said the Isle of Wight Council had been “struggling for some time” and that many of its issues were “systemic and long-standing”.

The independent review by consultant Richard Penn highlighted a troubled culture within the authority, where policies and procedures meant to act as checks and balances are “all too often ignored or forgotten”.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Robertson said:

“The report has helped shine a light on some of the problems within the Isle of Wight Council, some of which we were aware of already.

"The council has been struggling for some time, and we are in need of a fresh set of elections so Island residents can have their say.”

He criticised the government for cancelling the Island’s local elections earlier this year and urged ministers not to delay them again next May.

Mr Robertson also expressed concern over national plans that he said undermine local democracy, including proposals for a combined mayoral authority covering the Island and a “top-down housing target” imposed on the council.

He stressed that the Penn report’s criticisms applied not only to councillors but to officers as well, saying he now looked to the council leader and chief executive to set out a clear plan to tackle the issues raised.

While he believes elections are necessary, he added that “not all” problems at County Hall will be solved simply by going to the polls.

Isle of Wight West Labour MP Richard Quigley has been approached for comment.