The Isle of Wight Council's Conservative group leader is to seek election as leader, following the resignation of Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox.

In light of Cllr Peacey-Wilcox's announcement that she will step aside as Executive Leader on Wednesday, September 20, Cllr Ellis (pictured above, left) has withdrawn a motion of no confidence.

Instead, the full council will now decide who it wants to take over the reins.

Announcing her challenge, Cllr Ellis, who represents central rural ward, said: "The Council – and indeed the Island - needs leadership which is prepared to make the right – and sometimes difficult – decisions in a timely manner.

"Such leadership must also enjoy the support of a wider set of members across the Council Chamber.

"The dwindling numbers within the Alliance Group suggest that it does not enjoy majority support.”

Since it was formed, membership of the Alliance Group - a coalition of independent and Green councillors - has fallen from 18 to 13, including losing four members in a week, in May.

There are now four Liberal Democrats, a Labour councillor, an independent Labour councillor and four councillors who form Empowering Islanders, who are independent and Conservative.

Meanwhile, the majority Conservative group has 16 members.

Cllr Ellis said: “Having spent many weeks discussing the proposed way forward with councillors from across the Chamber, I am confident that there is a consensus about the need for change."

A motion has been submitted ahead of next week's meeting to appoint Cllr Phil Jordan (pictured above, right), cabinet member for transport and highways, as leader.

However, success depends on voting numbers and the Conservatives appear to be in a stronger position to take control. 

Cllr Ellis said: "With change must come collaboration, and a recognition that for the remainder of this council term it will continue to be the case that no one group has a majority.

"Although the Conservatives are the largest group, we must continue to work with all members and look carefully at how those outside of any administration which is formed can also be involved. If I am elected as Council Leader next week, I would welcome continued input from all councillors about how best this could be achieved."

If she becomes leader, Cllr Ellis said she will appoint new cabinet members afterwards. She si also considering the merits of a committee system of governance to replace the current cabinet-led system, which has been in place since 2012, working alongside other councillors.

She has also outlined eight proposed priorities for the council.

They are: Setting 'a robust and balanced budget that 'keeps council tax increases to the lowest possible level, and continuing to make the case to the Government for additional funding'; creating an 'effective Children’s Service and Education Team, whilst continuing to draw on the expertise and input of Hampshire County Council'; Tackling the increasing crisis in school place planning; Moving forward on the the Island Planning Strategy; tackling affordable housing by overturning what she called 'internal cautiousness' about investing a borrowed £40m; regeneration; progressing the implementation of the Climate and Environment Strategy; working with public and voluntary sector partners to improve joint working and 'the rationalisation of buildings and operating costs.'

Cllr Ellis said: "Cllr Peacey-Wilcox has worked very hard for the Island and has discharged her duties with the best interests of our community in mind.

However, there is no doubt that the current administration has faltered – particularly over recent months – and it is our view that change is now needed - and this must go beyond just shifting positions within the Alliance."