A CONSERVATIVE coalition could be on the cards at the Isle of Wight Council, following the departure of the leader and his deputy.

Tory group leader Cllr Dave Stewart said he was ready to stand as a caretaker leader, with cross-party support, until the May election — when the Conservatives would fight for full control of County Hall.

He said other political groups had indicated their support, but declined to say who they were.

"At the moment we need to steady the ship and get through the budget," said Cllr Stewart.

"The Conservatives will meet with other groups tomorrow morning to thrash out a deal to form a temporary administration. However, ultimately, what our Island needs is strong leadership with a clear vision, and that can only be achieved with a Conservative victory in May."

He claimed the Island Independents had been 'in disarray for some time' and said he was disappointed Cllrs Jonathan Bacon and Steve Stubbings had failed in their duty to Isle of Wight people.

Responding to their claims the Conservative government's austerity agenda had made their positions intolerable, Cllr Stewart accused the Independents of focusing on the negatives rather than the positives.

"We need to talk the Island up, not down," he said.

Labour Cllr Geoff Lumley said he was 'frankly appalled' Cllrs Bacon and Stubbings had resigned.

"Balancing the budget has never been easy since 2010, but it can always be done with some imagination. This abdication of responsibility on top of the other recent departures from the executive seems to have ended the 'independent experiment,' he said.

"Islanders will have a clear choice next May between the slash-and-burn Conservative option or anti-austerity candidates from the Labour party, who wouldn't resign if they felt a job was too hard."

When asked if the Labour group intended to nominate a candidate for leader, he said: "Not as yet."


UKIP Cllr Daryll Pitcher said his party would work with 'anyone and everyone' to establish an administration and set the budget. He appealed to members to 'step up and show that they are prepared to do the hard work when the Island needs them the most.'

Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk