County Hall Hopefuls Set Out Pitches Ahead Of Next Month's Poll

Six Islanders looking to take over from Isle of Wight Council stalwart Rodney Downer at an upcoming by-election have set out their stalls.

Here’s what they had to say.

Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch’s County Hall race is being contested by David Groocock (Conservative), Mark Jefferies (Island Independent Network), Rachel Lambert (Lib Dem), Christopher Lloyd (Labour), Bill Nigh (Reform UK) and Graham Perks (Vectis Party).

The July 10 poll was called after 74-year-old Rodney Downer stepped down from his ward councillor role after serving the area for 16 years and winning four elections.

Mark Jefferies said:

“I am standing as the only independent candidate and the only candidate that lives in the ward.

“I am currently the chair for the Friends of Ventnor Cemetery, Upper Ventnor Community Association and vice chair of Ventnor Carnival Association.

“For the last four years, I have served on Ventnor Town council and currently I’m a councillor for the Lowtherville ward. So, I am well acquainted with the issues of Ventnor and Bonchurch.

“In my role as a town councillor I have helped many residents with their problems.

"For example, helping residents of St Catherine’s Street get the no parking order revoked in 2022.

“I worked closely with Rodney Downer and I have attended most Wroxall Parish Council meetings for the last three years. So, I’m equally acquainted with what is happening in Wroxall as well.

“Rodney and I share the same beliefs. That party politics should stay out of local government, and a councillor’s main objective should be to support local residents – making strong representation for them at County Hall.

“I am certainly no stranger to debate and representing people, and if elected will be a strong voice for residents on all issues.”

Bill Nigh said:

“Though not from a political background originally, I became actively involved in 2016 with Leave EU, which later evolved into the Brexit Party and now Reform UK.

“I was born and raised in Ventnor, in my father’s Marlborough Road home, once owned by his father. Both were well known local businessmen.

“After graduating from UCL, I joined the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and later qualified as a solicitor.

"I worked mainly in London before returning to the Island to join Jerome and Co as a partner, reconnecting with my family and hometown.

“Later I moved into the hospitality sector owning and running businesses at Steephill Cove, Luccombe Chine and Bonchurch.

"My ties across the area remain strong, through family, friendships and decades of business involvement.

“Ventnor and the surrounding wards face unique challenges, from access issues to local services. I believe my experience and connections leave me well placed to address them.

“Change within our local authority won’t come from above, it starts at ground level. With your support and the principles of Reform UK I want to bring practical, community driven solutions to benefit our ward.”

Christopher Lloyd said:

“As a data scientist with a PhD in Geography, I bring particular expertise to tackle our community’s challenges.

“The Leeson Road landslide remains our biggest challenge in the ward, creating traffic pressures that cause other problems.

“I’m committed to working towards securing medium-to-long-term funding for alternative transport routes between Ventnor and surrounding areas.

“Parking restrictions in Wroxall have created tensions between safety and convenience. My goal is reducing traffic reliance and volume on existing routes.

“The ongoing dispute between Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads must be resolved to allow essential drainage improvements on the Shanklin to Wroxall cycle path.

“Bonchurch needs affordable housing for locals and incoming professionals who provide our vital services. This requires careful balancing against rural character preservation and infrastructure capacity concerns.

“Our ward needs moderate representation to maximize benefits from the upcoming Hampshire and Solent Combined Authority partnership.

“I’ll ensure that the Island maintains its distinct identity and governance while accessing enhanced funding, strategic coordination, and economic development opportunities.

“Labour empowers local councils to deliver services closer to communities. As your candidate, I’ll champion this agenda for our ward’s benefit.”

David Groocock said:

“As an independent, I faced being shut out of decision-making or pressured to support policies I don’t believe in. By joining the Conservatives under Cllr Ed Blake’s leadership, I can properly fight for our community’s needs where it counts – in the council chamber.

“Frequent closures and poor maintenance disrupt daily life – we need proper investment. The ongoing situation with the Graben and Clarence Road is a farce.

“Our beautiful villages deserve better support to attract visitors year-round. Anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime need firm action. We must ensure quality affordable homes while protecting our rural character.

“We mustn’t trade away local control for empty promises. Residents deserve a councillor who’ll stand firm on what matters.

"Only Island residents should have a say in their day-to-day living and the future. No other mainland authority can know what day-to-day challenges we face here.

“This is our chance to secure proper representation. Together, we can ensure Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch’s voice is heard loud and clear.”

Graham Perks said:

“My wife and I have lived in Ventnor for 37 years running various businesses in the town.  I love this part of the Island and promise to do my best for you at County Hall.

“The Isle of Wight is facing a crisis of democracy. We face the forced imposition of a mainland mayor and at the same time proposed reforms to local councils could see the Isle of Wight amalgamated with part of Hampshire, meaning none of the bodies meant to represent us are Island based.

“This situation is intolerable for the Island and I and the Vectis Party are here to fight it.

“The solution is simple. The Isle of Wight should become a Crown Dependency similar to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

“This would allow us to run our own internal affairs which will solve the democratic deficit and also allow us freedom to set our own laws on such things as ferries, housing, roads, jobs, economic development, education and even immigration.

“We cannot trust London or Hampshire with our future, because they don’t really care about us.  It is time for a new way and time to take control of our own future.”

Rachel Lambert said:

“I’m a young Islander with a deep passion for outdoor activities, such as playing rugby, fencing, sailing, and diving.

“Sailing is particularly special place in my heart because I have the privilege of accompanying my sister, who is a wheelchair user, on various sailing expeditions.

“One of our most notable adventures was crossing the Atlantic together in 2020! You may have seen the BBC documentary of our experience. This journey not only strengthened our bond but also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and what is possible with organisation and teamwork.

“As I look to the future, I want to use the skills and resilience I’ve gained to make a positive impact in our communities.

“As a young Islander, I hope to bring a fresh point of view as an Isle of Wight councillor, from improving schools and education through to ensuring there are decent jobs and affordable housing for all.

“That is why I said yes when asked to stand for the Liberal Democrats in this by-election. The Lib Dems stand for the things that matter to me and, I believe, to most Islanders—fairness, commonsense, treating people with respect, and working together as a community to solve problems.”