Five Candidates Battle For Lake North In Crucial Isle Of Wight By-Election

Residents in Lake North will head to the polls this Thursday (2 October) to choose their next Isle of Wight councillor.

The by-election was triggered after Reform UK’s David Maclean resigned just months after winning the seat in May.

His departure has opened the door for all of the UK’s main political parties to contest the ward, which had been a Conservative stronghold for years before Mr Maclean’s victory.

On the ballot are:

• Bob Blezzard (Liberal Democrat) – retired senior local government officer, long-time Bay resident and former councillor.

• Christopher Lloyd (Labour) – Shanklin-based data scientist and consultant, pledging stronger community facilities and better retail provision.

• Robert May (Green) – parish councillor from Sandown promising action on school closures, transport and the Fairway/Lake Hill junction.

• Bill Nigh (Reform UK) – hoping to hold onto the seat with promises of safer streets, lower bills and investment in roads and infrastructure.

• Adrian Whittaker (Conservative) – long-term Island resident and vice-chair of Lake Parish Council, focused on supporting local residents and businesses.

Polling will take place at the Lions Day and Community Centre on New Road, Lake, between 7am and 10pm.

Voters are reminded they will need to bring photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate.

At May’s by-election, Reform UK secured 291 votes to edge out the Conservatives, who finished second with 232.

Historically, the ward has been held by the Conservatives, with Tig Outlaw elected in both 2017 and 2021, and Labour’s Alan Hollands representing the area in 2013.

This week’s result will determine whether Lake North swings back to the Conservatives, stays with Reform UK, or changes direction entirely.