A FIGHTBACK has been launched by the Island Independents after former Isle of Wight Council deputy leader Cllr Steve Stubbings, who quit this week together with leader Cllr Jonathan Bacon, claimed the group had fallen apart.
Ahead of the full council meeting tonight (Wednesday), the group announced it would nominate a new leader to run against Conservative Cllr Dave Stewart.
Cllr Stewart said earlier this week he was prepared to serve as leader with cross-party support from other political groups in the council.
The Island Independents' statement said: &am p;quot;We have not stood aside, and the Independent group have not resigned our collective responsibility to the Isle of Wight electorate.
"The Independent group were elected in 2013 with a mandate from the people of the Isle of Wight to minimise and mitigate the effects of the Conservative government’s austerity cuts. We intend to continue to fulfil that mandate, despite recent resignations.
"A change in leadership does not require a change in administration. The Independent group are committed to leading through this term of council and beyond May 4 into the next term."
Highlighting what they described as the group's commitment to helping the Island's most vulnerable people, in contrast to the Conservative government's 'savage cuts,' the statement continued: "Cllr Stewart has said he does not have a mandate from the electorate or a Conservative majority. For the Conservatives to take the leadership at this stage would be undemocratic and damaging to the Isle of Wight and it’s residents, who above all need continuity within the leadership team, and a leader that has a strong working knowledge of current issues with a firm experienced hand on the tiller."

Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk