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==Political career==
==Political career==
Prior to work as a local councillor for the Isle of Wight, David Pugh worked at the [[Conservative Central Office]] in [[Westminster]] holding the position of Head of Youth with the responsibility for [[Conservative Future]]. This was a post he held for 4 years between 2000 and 2004. During this time he represented the Westminster Foundation for Democracy on a number of visits to eastern European nations with developing democracies.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} Pugh was also called a "cheating bastard" and accused of vote rigging during his time as Head of Youth.<ref>https://wightliving.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/dirt-digging-vote-rigging-row-rocks-young-tories/</ref>
Prior to work as a local councillor for the Isle of Wight, David Pugh worked at the [[Conservative Central Office]] in [[Westminster]] holding the position of Head of Youth with the responsibility for [[Conservative Future]]. This was a post he held for 4 years between 2000 and 2004. During this time he represented the Westminster Foundation for Democracy on a number of visits to eastern European nations with developing democracies.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}

===Isle of Wight Council===
===Isle of Wight Council===
In 2004 Pugh returned to live on the island and was elected to both the Isle of Wight Council and Shanklin Town Council in 2005. Between May 2005 and April 2007 Pugh served as Cabinet Secretary on the Isle of Wight Council. After April 2007 he was appointed as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure and Communications.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}
In 2004 Pugh returned to live on the island and was elected to both the Isle of Wight Council and Shanklin Town Council in 2005. Between May 2005 and April 2007 Pugh served as Cabinet Secretary on the Isle of Wight Council. After April 2007 he was appointed as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure and Communications.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}
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In November 2010, Pugh was subject to a vote of no confidence by Unison members who work for the IOW Council after proposing 535 job cuts at the council, and cuts to services such as libraries, swimming pools, and tourist information centres. These cuts later went ahead under Pugh's leadership, amid protests and a court challenge over library closures.<ref>http://onthewight.com/2010/11/26/steve-beynon-receives-a-vote-of-no-confidence/</ref><ref>http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/noconfidence-vote-for-council-chief-and-top-councillor-36045.aspx</ref><ref>http://onthewight.com/2011/03/14/libraries-isle-of-wight-council-unlawful-decision-challenge/</ref>
In November 2010, Pugh was subject to a vote of no confidence by Unison members who work for the IOW Council after proposing 535 job cuts at the council, and cuts to services such as libraries, swimming pools, and tourist information centres. These cuts later went ahead under Pugh's leadership, amid protests and a court challenge over library closures.<ref>http://onthewight.com/2010/11/26/steve-beynon-receives-a-vote-of-no-confidence/</ref><ref>http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/noconfidence-vote-for-council-chief-and-top-councillor-36045.aspx</ref><ref>http://onthewight.com/2011/03/14/libraries-isle-of-wight-council-unlawful-decision-challenge/</ref>


During his time as Council Leader, Pugh implemented a series of major policy changes, including: an Islandwide reorganisation of schools; the securing of £487m grant funding from the government for Island roads through a [[Private finance initiative|PFI]] scheme<ref>http://www.iwight.com/council/committees/cabinet/29-5-12/Paper%20A.pdf</ref> a new private-sector led marketing organisation for tourism<ref>http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/wight-living/we-are-different-so-lets-make-the-most-of-it-47200.aspx</ref> the establishment of the Solent Ocean Energy Centre to generate tidal energy; the introduction of award-winning<ref>http://www.noodls.com/view/130BDDCE6A644468D9DBC45575EF0D79B14149BE</ref> local apprenticeship schemes; and new waste collection arrangements which have increased recycling rates<ref>http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/new-scheme-sees-rise-in-recycling-rates-43106.aspx</ref>. The council has also implemented a series of service cuts over recent years – as a result of reductions in government funding. Pugh was instrumental in implementing these cuts and attended a conference on 'Creative Destruction' at which he talked about overseeing cessation of many services<ref>http://onthewight.com/2012/12/18/david-pugh-and-creative-destruction/</ref>
During his time as Council Leader, Pugh implemented a series of major policy changes, including: an Islandwide reorganisation of schools; the securing of £487m grant funding from the government for Island roads through a [[Private finance initiative|PFI]] scheme<ref>http://www.iwight.com/council/committees/cabinet/29-5-12/Paper%20A.pdf</ref> a new private-sector led marketing organisation for tourism<ref>http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/wight-living/we-are-different-so-lets-make-the-most-of-it-47200.aspx</ref> the establishment of the Solent Ocean Energy Centre to generate tidal energy; the introduction of award-winning<ref>http://www.noodls.com/view/130BDDCE6A644468D9DBC45575EF0D79B14149BE</ref> local apprenticeship schemes; and new waste collection arrangements which have increased recycling rates<ref>http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/new-scheme-sees-rise-in-recycling-rates-43106.aspx</ref>.


During his time as Council Leader Pugh was involved an incident outside a Charity Valentine's Ball at [[Cowes]] Yacht Haven, in which he swore at Carole Dennett, the parliamentary assistant and partner of MP [[Andrew Turner (politician)|Andrew Turner]] telling her to "fucking well leave us alone".<ref name="Charity ball marred by war of words">{{cite web|url=http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/charity-ball-marred-by-war-of-words-31287.aspx|title=Charity ball marred by war of words|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="Charity ball marred by war of words"/> The event occurred in public, was recorded by a local tabloid journalist and paparazzi, and a video clip later uploaded to the video sharing website [[YouTube]].<ref name="heated exchange on Youtube">{{cite web|url=http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/pugh-video-posted-on-youtube-31408.aspx|title=Pugh video posted on Youtube|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref> Pugh was investigated under the Island's Council's Code of Conduct, which "covers councillors when they act, claim to act or give the impression they are acting as a representative of the authority",<ref name="Council leader cleared of allegations">{{cite web|url=http://iwcp.co.uk/news/news/council-leader-cleared-of-allegations-35870.aspx|title=Council leader cleared of allegations|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref> and cleared. After being cleared, Pugh continued to attempt to stop publication of articles referring to the PughTube incident, including a letter written by Carole Dennett without the knowledge of her partner and employer, MP Andrew Turner.<ref>http://onthewight.com/2011/02/25/pugh-attempts-to-stop-publication-of-dennett-letter/</ref>
During his time as Council Leader Pugh was involved an incident outside a Charity Valentine's Ball at [[Cowes]] Yacht Haven, in which he swore at Carole Dennett, the parliamentary assistant and partner of MP [[Andrew Turner (politician)|Andrew Turner]] telling her to "fucking well leave us alone".<ref name="Charity ball marred by war of words">{{cite web|url=http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/charity-ball-marred-by-war-of-words-31287.aspx|title=Charity ball marred by war of words|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="Charity ball marred by war of words"/> The event occurred in public, was recorded by a local tabloid journalist and paparazzi, and a video clip later uploaded to the video sharing website [[YouTube]].<ref name="heated exchange on Youtube">{{cite web|url=http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/pugh-video-posted-on-youtube-31408.aspx|title=Pugh video posted on Youtube|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref> Pugh was investigated under the Island's Council's Code of Conduct, which "covers councillors when they act, claim to act or give the impression they are acting as a representative of the authority",<ref name="Council leader cleared of allegations">{{cite web|url=http://iwcp.co.uk/news/news/council-leader-cleared-of-allegations-35870.aspx|title=Council leader cleared of allegations|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref> and cleared. After being cleared, Pugh continued to attempt to stop publication of articles referring to the PughTube incident, including a letter written by Carole Dennett without the knowledge of her partner and employer, MP Andrew Turner.<ref>http://onthewight.com/2011/02/25/pugh-attempts-to-stop-publication-of-dennett-letter/</ref>

Revision as of 00:08, 3 January 2014

David Pugh
Born (1980-04-17) April 17, 1980 (age 44)
Isle of Wight
NationalityBritish
OccupationCratus Communications
Known forFormer Leader of Isle of Wight Council

David Pugh (born 1980, Newport) was a Conservative councillor and served as leader of the Isle of Wight Council between September 2007 and May 2013, making him the longest serving leader of the local authority since its inception in 1995. He was first elected to the Isle of Wight Council at the local elections in May 2005 as a member for the Shanklin Central Ward and was re-elected in the June 2009 elections to the Shanklin South ward. He was appointed leader of the Isle of Wight Council in September 2007 following the resignation of former leader Cllr Andy Sutton. On assuming the role of Council leader he became the youngest local authority leader in the UK and, until the 2013 local elections, he remained the youngest member of the Isle of Wight Council.

He lost his seat by 10 votes in the 2013 local elections after 2 other candidates withdrew, making the election a straight choice between Pugh and Independent, Richard Priest,[1] [2]and consequently ceased to be council leader.

Labour candidate for Shanklin South, Peter Coleman, said upon his withdrawl “Electors in the ward now have a clear alternative candidate (Richard Priest) to David Pugh, who has been a disastrous Leader of the County Council. A ground swell is taking place in Shanklin around a community based and respected local man [Richard Priest]. This is a difficult ward politically for Labour to win, and this decision has been taken to maximise the vote in opposition to the cuts in the public services to Shanklin taken by this Conservative Council.”[3][4]

Shortly after his failed re-election bid, Pugh resigned from Shanklin Town Council.[5] It is unclear whether Pugh would have resigned from Shanklin Town Councl had he won the County Council elections.

Early life

David Pugh was born on the Isle of Wight, growing up in Newport, Lake and Shanklin. He was educated in the Island's school system at Westmont and Newport CE Primary Schools, Trinity Middle School (now Christ the King College) and Sandown High School. He then went on to study politics at the University of Aberystwyth, Wales.[citation needed]> but failed to complete the final year of the 3 year course.[6]

Political career

Prior to work as a local councillor for the Isle of Wight, David Pugh worked at the Conservative Central Office in Westminster holding the position of Head of Youth with the responsibility for Conservative Future. This was a post he held for 4 years between 2000 and 2004. During this time he represented the Westminster Foundation for Democracy on a number of visits to eastern European nations with developing democracies.[citation needed]

Isle of Wight Council

In 2004 Pugh returned to live on the island and was elected to both the Isle of Wight Council and Shanklin Town Council in 2005. Between May 2005 and April 2007 Pugh served as Cabinet Secretary on the Isle of Wight Council. After April 2007 he was appointed as Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure and Communications.[citation needed]

In September 2007, following the resignation of Cllr Andy Sutton, Pugh was elected as Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, a post he held until May 2013.[7] His appointment at the age of 27 made him the youngest local authority leader in the country, and he remained one of the youngest leaders – at the age of 33 – when he left office over five years later having been defeated in local elections.

In November 2010, Pugh was subject to a vote of no confidence by Unison members who work for the IOW Council after proposing 535 job cuts at the council, and cuts to services such as libraries, swimming pools, and tourist information centres. These cuts later went ahead under Pugh's leadership, amid protests and a court challenge over library closures.[8][9][10]

During his time as Council Leader, Pugh implemented a series of major policy changes, including: an Islandwide reorganisation of schools; the securing of £487m grant funding from the government for Island roads through a PFI scheme[11] a new private-sector led marketing organisation for tourism[12] the establishment of the Solent Ocean Energy Centre to generate tidal energy; the introduction of award-winning[13] local apprenticeship schemes; and new waste collection arrangements which have increased recycling rates[14].

During his time as Council Leader Pugh was involved an incident outside a Charity Valentine's Ball at Cowes Yacht Haven, in which he swore at Carole Dennett, the parliamentary assistant and partner of MP Andrew Turner telling her to "fucking well leave us alone".[15][15] The event occurred in public, was recorded by a local tabloid journalist and paparazzi, and a video clip later uploaded to the video sharing website YouTube.[16] Pugh was investigated under the Island's Council's Code of Conduct, which "covers councillors when they act, claim to act or give the impression they are acting as a representative of the authority",[17] and cleared. After being cleared, Pugh continued to attempt to stop publication of articles referring to the PughTube incident, including a letter written by Carole Dennett without the knowledge of her partner and employer, MP Andrew Turner.[18]

External and national work

In 2010 he was appointed a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group on the role of local authorities in education and children's services, supporting the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove. Pugh no longer holds this post.[19] He was also appointed as a member of the Local Government Association's Children & Young People Programme Board. Pugh no longer holds this post.[20][21]

In 2011, he was appointed as a director of the newly formed Solent Local Enterprise Partnership. Pugh no longer holds this post.[22]

He works for Cratus Communications.

Electoral performance

2005

Shanklin Central[23]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative David Pugh 906
Labour Peter Coleman 298
Independent John Fleming 285

2009

For the Isle of Wight Council election in 2009, Pugh switched wards to contest the new Shanklin South seat, which due to boundary changes incorporated part of his previous seat of Shanklin Central. Despite unveiling plans to reform education on the island which were seen as contentious, prior to the announcement of the results Pugh stated that he had been "Quietly confident securing a majority".[24] When the final results were declared, some key players involved with the education reform plans had lost their seats, but Pugh managed to retain his with a comfortable majority.[25] His party also won a majority of seats on the Isle of Wight Council.

Shanklin South
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative David Pugh 804
Liberal Democrats Lynda Fleming 161
Independent Anne Bishop 156
Labour Peter Coleman 58
Turnout 1179 40.46

2013

After two terms in power, the Conservative party lost a total of nine seats and their majority at the Isle of Wight council. Pugh faced a concerted effort to remove him during this election and lost by 10 votes to Richard Priest. Such was the feeling against him, 2 candidates withdrew from the election to allow Richard Priest a clear run against Pugh.[26]

Shanklin South[27]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Independent Richard Priest 629
Conservative David Pugh 619
Turnout 42.31

Personal life

David Pugh currently resides in Shanklin.

See also

References

  1. ^ http://onthewight.com/2013/04/05/pressure-builds-on-pugh-as-ukip-decide-not-to-stand-in-shanklin-south/
  2. ^ http://onthewight.com/2013/05/03/pugh-defeated-in-isle-of-wight-local-election/
  3. ^ http://onthewight.com/2013/03/26/shanklin-south-ward-labour-steps-aside-citing-ground-swell-for-richard-priest/
  4. ^ http://onthewight.com/2013/05/03/pugh-defeated-in-isle-of-wight-local-election/
  5. ^ http://onthewight.com/2013/05/07/david-pugh-resigns-from-shanklin-town-council/
  6. ^ Wegg-Prosser, Benjamin (2001-10-12). "Conservative Future gets a make-over". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-02-27.
  7. ^ "All change as council leader resigns". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  8. ^ http://onthewight.com/2010/11/26/steve-beynon-receives-a-vote-of-no-confidence/
  9. ^ http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/noconfidence-vote-for-council-chief-and-top-councillor-36045.aspx
  10. ^ http://onthewight.com/2011/03/14/libraries-isle-of-wight-council-unlawful-decision-challenge/
  11. ^ http://www.iwight.com/council/committees/cabinet/29-5-12/Paper%20A.pdf
  12. ^ http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/wight-living/we-are-different-so-lets-make-the-most-of-it-47200.aspx
  13. ^ http://www.noodls.com/view/130BDDCE6A644468D9DBC45575EF0D79B14149BE
  14. ^ http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/new-scheme-sees-rise-in-recycling-rates-43106.aspx
  15. ^ a b "Charity ball marred by war of words". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
  16. ^ "Pugh video posted on Youtube". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
  17. ^ "Council leader cleared of allegations". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
  18. ^ http://onthewight.com/2011/02/25/pugh-attempts-to-stop-publication-of-dennett-letter/
  19. ^ "Ministerial Advisory Group on the role of the Local Authority in relation to Education and Children's Services" (PDF). Department for Education. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  20. ^ http://www.local.gov.uk/web/guest/children-and-young-people-board/-/journal_content/56/10180/21230/ARTICLE
  21. ^ "Children and Young People Programme Board members for 2010-2011". LG Group. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  22. ^ http://solentlep.org.uk/team
  23. ^ "Isle of Wight Council election 2005". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  24. ^ "Tories surge back in island polls". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  25. ^ "Isle of Wight Council election results". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 2010-02-23.
  26. ^ http://onthewight.com/2013/03/26/shanklin-south-ward-labour-steps-aside-citing-ground-swell-for-richard-priest/
  27. ^ http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/election-live-results-49270.aspx

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