THE leader and deputy leader of the Isle of Wight Council have stepped down.

The news was announced this morning, with the council now taking the next steps in replacing the two.

Jonathan Bacon, the former leader and Steve Stubbings the former deputy, have both left their positions with immediate effect.

Isle of Wight Council has released a statement to the Daily Echo which says: "John Metcalfe, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Council, has acknowledged receipt of the resignations of Councillors Jonathan Bacon and Steve Stubbings, from their roles as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Isle of Wight Council.

"In accordance with procedures, it has been agreed that the process to elect a new Leader will take place at Full Council on Wednesday 18 January 2017.

"This will become the first substantive item on the agenda for debate.

"Existing Executive Members will remain in post until a new Leader is appointed; it will then be the role of the new leader to select their Cabinet/Executive.

"In the meantime, tonight’s public budget consultation meeting will go ahead as planned."