The experience gained, both locally and nationally gives Ian gravitas when dealing with senior officials, and the tact used to bridge party political division assists when dealing with conflicts locally. Experienced in leadership at the height of the austerity period at County level, has given Ian the true understanding of bringing council services and facilities to a level that the Island people deserve. It has always been stated that not one organisation can provide all things necessary for our Island, and with a proven track record of an ‘open door’ policy which gave an opportunity for all
to come together and work on solutions.
Always focusing on green issues, and indeed he created a new executive sustainability post, which has now sadly lapsed.
Proud of his roots, Island born and bred, Ian remembers the years of innovation created on the Isle of Wight. From the Black Knight rocket at Highdown to the Islander/Trislander at Bembridge, however today we have hydrogen powered catamarans in Ventnor and Wind Farm Blades in the Medina Valley, giving an optimism that with the right outlook and backing we can create new industry.
Ian is the former leader of the Isle of Wight Council.