Councillor Steve Hastings has been confirmed as the new leader of the Isle of Wight Conservative Party.
EXCLUSIVE
Sources close to Isle of Wight Radio say there were no challengers to the top job in the party at last night's internal meeting (Friday).
As first reported by Isle of Wight Radio, Cllr Hastings, who has been on the Isle of Wight Council for four years and represents the Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet ward - was made acting 'interim leader' of the Isle of Wight Council after the election.
As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, his predecessor Dave Stewart lost his Chale, Shorwell and Niton seat to the Isle of Wight Green Party's Claire Critchison in a shock result.
But there is still uncertainty over who would take control of County Hall - with the Tories failing to get a majority.
To form an administration the group needs to persuade at least two councillors to come across and join them — either their party or some sort of coalition agreement.
Cllr Hastings has written an open letter inviting all the councillors to get in touch with him with any ideas on how to move forward.
To form an administration the group needs to persuade at least two councillors to come across and join them — either their party or some sort of coalition agreement.
If no decision can be made or agreed upon among the parties, then the council could remain in a state of no overall control.
While this may be a good thing, with councillors able to vote on local issues and not needing to fall in line with a party view, it could potentially see a lot of struggles as votes are split and undecided, with multiple opposing views and the Tories relying on abstentions from the opposition.
A vote takes place on May 26 to see if Cllr Hastings' current role as acting 'interim' leader of the Isle of Wight Council will become permanent, meaning he becomes the overall leader of the local authority - until the next election - which is in four years time.
Cllr Hastings told Isle of Wight Radio:
“I am very pleased to have been unanimously confirmed as Leader of the Conservative Group in County Hall at our Group AGM meeting on Friday.
"We have a talented cohesive group of 18 who’s skills and experience will be an asset to the Isle of Wight Council and I am looking forward to working with them all.”
The Isle of Wight Conservative Chair David Pugh has refused to comment.
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