A councillor who took up the role as chair and lead member for children’s services on the Isle of Wight in the wake of May’s local elections has resigned after under four months in post, saying persistent barriers made it difficult to advance plans for pupils and families.
Resignation follows claims of obstruction
Cllr Ros Freeman, who represents Lake South for Reform UK, announced she was stepping down from the education committee leadership, saying she had encountered “continual obstacles” and “opposition from various directions” while trying to carry out the responsibilities of the post. She said her intention on taking the role had been to make a “positive and meaningful difference” to children on the Island.
“I have faced continual obstacles and opposition from various directions,” Cllr Freeman said.
Despite her decision to resign, Cllr Freeman confirmed she retained the backing of the council’s director of children’s services and that her Reform UK colleagues continued to support her. A party colleague, Cllr Tony Raffe, has also left the council’s Children’s Services, Education and Skills Committee and been replaced by fellow Reform councillor Cllr Reuben Loake.
Interim arrangements and next steps
For the time being, Liberal Democrat vice-chair Cllr Andrew Garratt is carrying out the duties of chair and lead member. The council is expected to appoint a permanent replacement at a full council meeting scheduled for 18 November.
The sudden change in leadership on the education committee comes at a sensitive time for local authorities nationally, where effectiveness of oversight and stability of leadership in children’s services are closely watched by schools, families and regulators.
Political tensions and criticisms
Cllr Freeman’s short tenure was marked by at least one public exchange with a Conservative colleague. Conservative Cllr Ed Blake criticised her ability to answer a public question without assistance and suggested she lacked confidence to speak freely without party control. That criticism was among the issues highlighted as part of the friction surrounding her role.
- Duration in role: under four months since appointment after May elections.
- Interim chair: Liberal Democrat vice-chair Cllr Andrew Garratt.
- Committee changes: Cllr Tony Raffe resigned from the committee and was replaced by Cllr Reuben Loake.
Local education governance relies on constructive relationships between elected members and professional officers. The council’s director of children’s services and his team, whose support Cllr Freeman said she retained, play a central role in delivering services irrespective of political changes at committee level.
Wider implications
While this resignation is a local matter, it highlights broader themes in education governance: the impact of political polarisation on committee functioning, the importance of clear lines of accountability, and the potential disruption to strategic work when senior elected roles turn over quickly. Schools, families and partner agencies will be watching the council’s next steps as the Isle of Wight looks to maintain continuity in oversight of children’s services.
| Item | Current status |
|---|---|
| Chair of Education Committee | Resigned (Cllr Ros Freeman) |
| Interim lead | Cllr Andrew Garratt (Lib Dem vice-chair) |
| Next full council | 18 November (appointment expected) |
Officials and councillors must now balance the need to appoint a stable chair with the need to rebuild trust and ensure that children’s services priorities are delivered without interruption. For teachers, parents and pupils on the Isle of Wight, continuity in governance and the effective oversight of children’s services are essential to the everyday running of schooling and the protection of vulnerable young people.
The council has not published detailed public comment beyond the statements issued by the councillors involved. The next full council meeting will be an early measure of whether the committee’s leadership challenges can be resolved and whether plans for the remainder of the municipal year will proceed without further disruption.
