Five Candidates In Race To Replace Freshwater North And Yarmouth Councillor

Voters in Freshwater North and Yarmouth will head to the polls next month to choose a new councillor following the departure of Peter Spink.

Five candidates are standing in the contest, representing a mix of political parties and independent representation.

Those nominated are Simon Bevis Ayre (Labour), Debbie Conlin (Reform UK), Timothy John Jeffreys (Local Conservatives), Florence Sarlat (Green Party) and David John Whistance (Independent).

The Local Democracy Reporting Service invited all candidates to submit a 100-word statement outlining their background and priorities ahead of the May 7 election.

Simon Bevis Ayre, representing Labour, is a recently retired IT professional who has worked with several London councils and a trade union.

He has a strong interest in local authority finance and budgeting, and says improving public transport is a key issue, particularly as a non-driver.

Reform UK candidate Debbie Conlin did not provide a statement.

Timothy John Jeffreys, standing for the Conservatives, says he retired from a senior international business career eight years ago before pursuing work in photography and filmmaking.

He now promotes the Isle of Wight globally through his creative work and says he works closely with Conservative representatives to support local communities and priorities.

Green Party candidate Florence Sarlat previously worked as a managing director for a French bank before moving to the UK in 2012.

She retrained as a yoga and mindfulness teacher and has since worked with young people affected by trauma.

She describes herself as a passionate advocate for animal rights, social justice and the environment.

Independent candidate David John Whistance has lived in Colwell for 20 years and has a background in local business and education.

He has served as a school governor, worked on Island school finances, chaired the Isle of Wight Music Hub and sat on Freshwater Parish Council.

He says he is focused on protecting the West Wight’s landscape, schools and community.

The election will take place on May 7.