A row over election expenses has broken out an Isle of Wight parish council with one councillor labelling the situation “anarchy”.
Following an at times tense Shalfleet Parish Council on November 13, the authority’s chair Steve Cowley fired an opening salvo at fellow councillors Jonathan Hill, Chris Beane and Jacky Laurie in a vociferous letter to Island media last week.
“Anarchy’s happening. Illegal anarchy,” Cllr Cowley told the press.
As a “long-time councillor”, the Wellow resident said he was “committed to seeing things done correctly”.
Cllr Beane had “broken the law” by not submitting information on his election expenses to the Isle of Wight Council’s returning officer.
The chair added his colleague could not “legally” act as a councillor as a result.
Cllr Cowley’s letter said:
“In my opinion, residents of Shalfleet parish are due apologies from newly-elected councillors, Jonathan Hill, Chris Beane and Jacky Laurie for walking out of November’s parish council meeting and disrupting the council’s legal business.
“Instead, I am told, they went to the pub!” These councillors should apologise because, by walking out, official business was held up.
“A grant-funded community orchard, in Shalfleet village, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, has been delayed.
“Shalfleet School’s PTFA request for a grant for new exercise equipment for children could not be considered.
“The extension of our unique King Charles III Coronation Avenue, at Bouldnor, with more grant-funded trees planted by local children, could not be approved.”
Shalfleet parishioner Jeff Smithers pushed back on the chair’s line of attack, describing it as a “deliberate attempt” to “publicly demean” Cllr Beane.
He said:
“Cllr Cowley was extremely economical with the truth. It seems he had somehow uncovered a mistake by Cllr Beane by not yet submitting his election expenses to the Isle of Wight Council.
“This could have been put kindly to Cllr Beane in a chat before the day of the parish council meeting – which might be expected from someone describing himself as a long-time councillor committed to seeing things done correctly.
“But he chose to wait for the meeting to tell Cllr Beane ‘he had broken the law’ and ‘legally could not act as a councillor.’
“The IW Council subsequently accepted it was a simple mistake with no action necessary.”
Mr Smithers accused the chair of a “vindictive” and “self-important approach” which led to the three councillors leaving the meeting.
The meeting was delayed due to Cllr Cowley’s “attitude and behaviour” – the resident said.
He also queried why only a few months ago, four Shalfleet councillors had resigned – something the chair has “refused” to explain.
Councillors Jonathan Hill, Chris Beane and Jacky Laurie, and the parish clerk, have been approached for comment.
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