COUNCILLOR Steve Hastings – leader of the 18-strong Conservative Group on the Isle of Wight Council –– has announced the team who will act as a Shadow Cabinet at County Hall.

Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, leader of the council, announced a cabinet of nine members in May, including herself, all with a range of executive responsibilities.

Cllr Hastings previously announced he would be appointing a Shadow Cabinet, with councillors allocated to roles aligned with the portfolios of Cllr Peacey-Wilcox’s executive members.

The Shadow Cabinet will be made up of the following Conservative councillors:

  • Leader – Cllr Steve Hastings
  • Deputy Leader and Digital Transformation – Cllr Gary Peace.
  • Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing – Cllr Joe Robertson.
  • Children's Services, Education and Skills – Cllr Paul Brading.
  • Environment, Heritage and Waste Management – Cllr Suzie Ellis.
  • Infrastructure and Transport – Cllr Michael Beston.
  • Planning and Housing – Cllr Peter Spink.
  • Regeneration and Business Development – Cllr Chris Quirk.
  • Strategic Finance, Transformational Change & Resources – Cllr Martin Oliver.

In addition, Cllr Matthew Price will serve as part of a shadow team with responsibility for strategy and policy development.

Speaking following the appointment of the Shadow Cabinet, Cllr Hastings said: “I was keen to ensure we matched particular backgrounds and interests as effectively as possible.

“Alongside a number of members who served in various roles during the last council term, new councillors strengthen our team at County Hall.

“The Shadow Cabinet will collaboratively engage with the Alliance team now running County Hall. We will have a presumption in favour of supporting the intended policy approach.

“The next cabinet meeting on July 15 will consider the Draft Island Planning Strategy Consultation, which will be of interest to many Island residents.

"Ultimately, it is important all 39 members of the IW Council work together for the good of the Island."

Earlier this month (June), Cllr Hastings said the emphasis of his Shadow Cabinet would be to 'collaboratively engage with cabinet members and officers,' not to oppose policy for the sake of it.