Ramsey commissioner resigns over council house comment

"Tenants not best fit for lead members" outrageous statement says Corkish

A Ramsey Town Commissioner's been accused of making derogatory comments about residents who live in council houses.

Eric Corkish resigned from the local authority yesterday (2 May) and is now calling on former colleague Julia Wedgwood to step down.

He claims she said council house tenants were 'not the best fit' for the role of lead members.

Mr Corkish has called the comment 'outrageous'.

Manx Radio has received a statement from Julia Wedgwood which reads:-

I am aware of Mr Corkish’s allegations and would point out that they relate to a private email exchange and followed my receipt of an email from Mr Corkish the tone of which was highly inappropriate and rude towards myself and other Members.

Saying something in a private email which was taken out of context and misconstrued is a matter of regret.  The reference to being a ‘commission tenant’ was related specifically to Mr Corkish and his wish to be Lead Member for Housing.  It was not intended to exclude him but merely to say that in my opinion he would not be my first choice for that role, all the while recognising that appointments are made through a democratic process.

If Mr Corkish had not chosen to resign and had then been successful in election to the position of Lead Member for Housing, I would have fully supported him in that role.