Reform Committee Chair Challenged Over Response To School Closures Question

The Isle of Wight Council's chair of the children’s services, education and skills committee has been criticised after reading a jointly-approved response to a public question about reducing school places and potential school closures.

At last Thursday's meeting (July 2), committee chair Cllr Ros Freeman answered a question from Simon Richards using a statement she said had been prepared by herself and Reform UK group leader Cllr James Whelan.

The statement said:

"Our priorities are not closing schools. Our priority is improving education.

"The Reform UK group want parents to feel that their local school is the best place for their child to learn and thrive."

Later in the meeting, Reform councillors joined other members of the committee in agreeing that reducing the number of school places on the Isle of Wight – which could result in school closures – is a "critical and urgent" priority.

Conservative councillor Ed Blake questioned why the response had been jointly attributed, saying it did not represent his view as a committee member.

He asked Cllr Freeman:

"I'm confused as to why a question directed to you has to be answered by councillor Whelan and yourself. Why can't you answer the question?"

Cllr Freeman said she had written the response herself but, as a new councillor and committee chair, wanted it checked by the council's democratic services and also shared with the leader of her party.

Council officer Simon Wiggins told the meeting that public questions are addressed to the committee chair, who is responsible for providing the response and deciding how it is prepared.

Following the meeting, Cllr Blake told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he believed Cllr Freeman's explanation suggested she did not feel confident answering without party approval.

He also claimed it meant she was "incapable" of answering the question on her own.

Cllr Freeman has been approached for comment but has not yet responded. Cllr James Whelan has also been contacted for comment.

Reform UK holds 19 seats on the Isle of Wight Council, while the Conservatives have two.