Jordan And Ellis Go Head-To-Head In Battle To Become New Isle Of Wight Council Leader

In just a matter of days, the Isle of Wight Council will have a new leader.

It follows the resignation of Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox — a role she has held since May 2021.

She will officially step down as of 6pm on Wednesday (20).

At that time — the start of the full Isle of Wight Council meeting where all 39 councillors are elected — a leadership challenge will take place, with two candidates coming forward, so far.

In the blue corner is Cllr Suzie Ellis, the new Conservative Group leader. And, for the currently-in-control Alliance Administration, is Cllr Phil Jordan.

Here’s what both candidates have to say:

Cllr Suzie Ellis

Cllr Ellis believes the council, and Island, needs a change in leadership, to one who is prepared to make the right and sometimes difficult decisions in a timely manner.

The Central Rural councillor has outlined eight proposed priorities for the council, which will evolve to form a new corporate plan for the council.

• Set a robust and balanced budget – keeping council tax increases to the lowest possible level and continue the case to government for additional funding
• Create an effective children’s service and Education Team, while continuing to draw on the expertise of Hampshire County Council
• Tackle the crisis in school place planning – having regard of the need to avoid an adverse impact on the funding available for children’s education in viable schools.
• Seek consensus on the best way for the Island Planning Strategy – taking into account other pieces of legislation which are likely to come into force, while recognising the need for an up-to-date plan as soon as possible.
• Unlock the delivery of affordable housing, overcoming ‘internal cautiousness’ about investing £40 million, working with housebuilders and associations to come up with creative solutions and making use of public sector land.
• Secure progress in major regeneration projects
• Progress the implementation of the Climate and Environment Strategy, harnessing the potential of the Island’s UNESCO biosphere status
• Work with public and voluntary sector partners to improve joint working, joined-up services and the rationalisation of buildings and operating costs.

Cllr Ellis said the Alliance has faltered and it is the Conservatives view change is now needed, which must go beyond just shifting positions within the Alliance.

If elected, she said she would continue to work with councillors across the chamber and form a cabinet only then, making no deals or commitments before then.

Cllr Phil Jordan 

Cllr Jordan says the thing the council needs now is stability and continuity — something only the Alliance can bring as the incumbent administration.

The Ryde North West councillor says it would be foolish to try and change all the projects the Alliance has underway at this stage but the council has key targets to meet and achieve, which he is committed to getting completed and finalised as a matter of urgency.

It would not mean the Alliance would not be looking to carry on with more improvements for the Island, he said, in an austere and testing fiscal climate.

Cllr Jordan said they are ‘coming to a conclusion’ on the demands to government for fairer funding  (the Island Deal), after years of cuts; having sent all the information to government and are now awaiting the outcome.

In the spirit of stability, Cllr Jordan said the Alliance will, without delay, put into place measures to resolve the issue of surplus school places, as it impacts staff recruitment;  schools financially, and is forecast to continue years into the future.

Cllr Jordan also said they will finalise work to bring housing delivery by the council into effect — first addressing those living in temporary accommodation and providing permanent homes for families while tackling the ‘affordable homes conundrum’. The Island Planning Strategy would therefore be brought back to the council for approval.

The final chapter of the Floating Bridge saga would be brought to a close, the cabinet member for infrastructure and transport said, as plans for a new vessel are coming to fruition following the settlement the council received. A new way forward would be announced soon, dependent on engineers’ reports.

Cllr Jordan said the upcoming council budget will not be easy to set, with the authority making difficult and testing decisions.

In the end, it all comes down to a numbers game. Either side of the chamber needs to secure at least 20 votes to take control, but neither group have it on their own.

The Conservatives hold 16 seats; the Alliance 13. They will need to look for support from any of the following if they want to take the top spot and rule the council: the Empowering Islanders group (four members); the Liberal Democrats (four); Labour; (one) and Independent Labour (one).

Whoever is successful could hold the role until the next council elections in 2025.