Jailed Isle of Wight councillor Daryll Pitcher, who has been sent to prison for historic child rape, has resigned as leader of the Vectis Party.

The group has been discussing its future after Pitcher's 27-month sentence was handed down yesterday (Wednesday).

Pitcher had remained as leader of the group, despite a trial in February finding him guilty of two counts of historic rape of a girl under 13 in the early 1990s.

It has been confirmed Pitcher resigned from the party yesterday and a search is now underway for a new leader.

Members of the Vectis Party, Adrian Whittaker, said an executive meeting took place earlier today (Thursday) to discuss recent events.

It was decided an extraordinary meeting will be held on Saturday (15) for all members, where a new leader will be appointed.

Pitcher was the only member of the Vectis Party to be elected to the Isle of Wight Council in May 2021.

The Vectis Party has still been active in the world of local politics since Pitcher was charged with the offences last year. It recently put forward a candidate to stand in a by-election for the Isle of Wight Council and secured another seat on a town council.

As a party it says it still maintains its objective to serve the people of the Island.