Five Candidates In Race For Mountjoy And Shide Seat

Voters in Mountjoy and Shide will have five candidates to choose from at the upcoming Isle of Wight Council elections on May 7.

Standing in the ward are Liberal Democrat councillor Ray Harrington-Vail, Labour’s Alan Hunter, Conservative councillor Martin Oliver, Reform UK candidate Richard Quinn and Green Party councillor Stephen Rushbrook.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service invited all candidates to submit a 100-word statement ahead of polling day.

Liberal Democrat candidate Ray Harrington-Vail has lived in the ward for 30 years and is the founder of the Footprint Trust charity, which supports residents struggling with utility bills.

Now retired, he volunteers with St John Ambulance and serves on Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, where he chairs the Amenities Committee.

Labour candidate Alan Hunter has lived in Newport for more than three decades.

He has worked in education across several Island schools and later as a chiropractor treating patients in Newport and Lake.

He has also served as a school governor and says he wants to be a strong local voice focused on schools, safer streets and accessible healthcare.

Conservative councillor Martin Oliver, who currently represents the ward, says he has worked to address issues such as flooding and road closures since being elected five years ago.

He also serves as chair of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council and says he is committed to helping the area continue to thrive.

Reform UK candidate Richard Quinn did not provide a statement.

Green Party councillor Stephen Rushbrook currently serves on Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, where he says he has supported residents with issues including fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, as well as maintaining green spaces.

He also works in the computer games industry, with a career spanning more than three decades.

The election will take place on May 7.