COUNCILLOR Chris Whitehouse has stepped down as cabinet member for Children’s Services on the Isle of Wight. 
He made the announcement at tonight’s (Thursday) cabinet meeting, where he assured members he would continue to work with the Conservatives on a number of special projects. 
Cllr Whitehouse told the County Press he was studying for a postgraduate master of arts in contemporary ethics, and needed to focus on his 15,000-word dissertation. 
Cllr Paul Brading, Conservative for Lake South ward, will be taking over Children’s Services.
Cllr Whitehouse said: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to lead on education for the Conservatives for four years now, but I have to admit that finalising four 4,000 word end of year essays by last Friday’s university deadline, whilst going through the local and general elections, was a bigger challenge than I’d ever anticipated.
“I now have to research and prepare a 15,000 word dissertation on a complex area of international human rights law, national legislation and ethics.
 “The project, an analysis of discrimination against disabled babies under British abortion law, is the culmination of 34 years’ work for me, and it’s going to take most of my focus for the next few months.
“I want to leave it as a legacy to the next generation of those who campaign to defend the sanctity of human life.”
Cllr Brading pledged to give the role his full attention. 
“Chris leaves a big pair of boots to step into, but I’m determined to give this vital role my every best effort. Our children deserve no less,” he said.