Tory councillor compares Russian invasion of Ukraine to rowdy Isle of Wight planning dispute

Tory councillor compares Russian invasion of Ukraine to rowdy Isle of Wight planning dispute
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Gareth Milner

By Gareth Milner


Published: 04/03/2022

- 11:35

The issues concerned a debate around a proposed code of practice review for the planning committee

In a controversial outburst, Tory Councillor Vanessa Churchman compared an Isle of Wight planning dispute to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At a council planning meeting earlier this week, tensions were high between two councillors, Michael Lilley and Geoff Brodie (the council’s chairman).


Continual arguing between the pair led to the meeting being adjourned twice to sort out issues as rage flared as Cllr Lilley and Cllr Brodie.

The issues concerned a debate around a proposed code of practice review for the planning committee.

The arguments led to Councillor Vanessa Churchman saying: “You can understand why there is a war in Ukraine, because when you men get together you are bloody impossible.

“I could spit. Democratic process my foot. Having slanging matches does not solve anything.”

According to Hampshire Live, Councillor Brodie also alleged the committee chairmanship of Councillor Lilley had made ‘libellous’ comments about him in emails to planning committee members.

Cllr Brodie told Cllr Lilley that he needed to "learn how to stand up to him instead of being a coward".

Tensions were high with a number of contentious events happening, which resulted in security escorts for both councillors.

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