Reform Councillor Resigns As Isle Of Wight Education Committee Chair

A Reform UK councillor has resigned as chair of the Isle of Wight Council’s education committee less than four months after taking up the position.

Cllr Ros Freeman, who represents Lake South, said she had faced “continual obstacles” and “opposition from various directions” during her time in the role.

She was appointed chair and lead member for children’s services following the first full council meeting after May’s local elections.

Cllr Freeman said her aim had been to make a “positive and meaningful difference” to the lives of children on the Island, but that obstacles had increasingly made it difficult to progress initiatives.

She said she had nevertheless received the full support of the council’s director of children’s services and his team, as well as her Reform UK colleagues.

Her party colleague Cllr Tony Raffe has also stepped down from the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Committee.

He has been replaced on the committee by fellow Reform councillor Cllr Reuben Loake.

Liberal Democrat vice-chair Cllr Andrew Garratt is currently carrying out the chair and lead member role.

A permanent replacement is expected to be appointed at a full council meeting on November 18.

Cllr Freeman had previously faced criticism from Conservative councillor Ed Blake, who accused her of being “incapable” of answering a public question without assistance.

Cllr Blake also claimed she “doesn’t feel the confidence” to say what she wants without being controlled by her party.