JUST a week into the new Tory-led Isle of Wight Council regime an extraordinary meeting has been called to deal with concerns about how key committees are run.
New Island Independents leader Cllr Julia Baker-Smith accused Conservative and UKIP members of 'bulldozing' a vote not to appoint a new scrutiny chairman ahead of May’s election, in a bid to give them a 'free rein' at County Hall.
Meanwhile, Tory Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr Dave Stewart accused some councillors of childish and belligerent behaviour at last week’s Full Council, when he replaced Cllr Jonathan Bacon as leader, and called on members of all sides to work together.
He highlighted next month’s looming deadline to set a budget for 2017/18. The extraordinary meeting is set to take place three week’s earlier, on next Wednesday, February 1.
Cllr Baker-Smith said: "The scrutiny chair is the lead role in ensuring that policy is democratic and that those setting it are held to account and not allowed to make decisions without proper examination."
She was supported by sole Lib Dem member, Cllr Reg Barry, said: "A number of other key committees have now been left without chairmanship since last Wednesday's vote.
"We do not agree with the Con-UKIP alliance view that these can be left vacant for three months. The committees undertake important statutory functions, including dealing with matters of audit and licensing which simply cannot 'look after themselves'."
Following criticism of the make up of the new Tory-led administration, Cllr Stewart said: "I’ve heard nothing from the overwhelming majority of Island Independents, Labour and Lib Dem members. The belligerent and childish behaviour of a few members at the full council meeting embarrassed the public and other councillors and caused the chairman to apologise to the press and public present.
"I subsequently had conversations with a few Island Independents one of whom expressed an interest in being considered for an executive position but subsequently declined for reasons which I understand. Cllr Lumley had chosen not to come forward and that is a matter for him.
"I hope he and others will nevertheless look to work collectively for the good of the Island in the remaining few weeks of this current council but that is their decision."

Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk