The leader of the ruling Alliance Group on the Isle of Wight Council says she is reassured by council chair Cllr Geoff Brodie's words after he quit the group this week.

Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox told the County Press she was pleased to hear Cllr Brodie, who resigned from the group over issues with other group members over planning, would continue to support her and the deputy leader Cllr Ian Stephens.

Two members stormed out of Monday night's planning committee meeting following a row with Cllr Brodie.

Cllr Brodie said yesterday: "Today I resigned from the Alliance Group at County Hall.

"I have resigned because I can no longer associate or work with some members of the group whose approach to planning decision-making is entirely populist rather than planning-based."

Read more: Council chair quits Alliance Group.

Cllr Peacey-Wilcox said: "Cllr Brodie has been integral to the Alliance since its inception. We are sorry he has decided to step away from the group.

"Issues relating to the planning committee meeting are now subject to legal moves internally and externally and it is not appropriate to comment on that situation at this time.

"The leader and deputy leader have been assured of Cllr Brodie's support, which is very much welcomed.

"Cllr Brodie came up with many of the changes the new Alliance have brought forward, to which we are grateful.

"I am sure he will continue to ‘keep us on our toes’."