Four Candidates Contest Lake South Seat In Upcoming Elections

The chair of the Isle of Wight Council’s education committee is seeking re-election in Lake South as voters prepare for the May 7 polls.

Conservative councillor Paul Brading, who was first elected in 2017, is defending his seat against Finton Burns (Labour), Harry Eccles (Green Party) and Ros Freeman (Reform UK).

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

Incumbent Paul Brading says he has represented Lake South for nine years and has lived in the Lake and Sandown area all his life.

Alongside his council role, he is a primary school governor, a member of Sandown Rotary Club and chair of the MS Society locally.

He highlights improvements at Fairway junction, youth facilities and wider development in the area as key priorities.

Labour candidate Finton Burns is a long-time resident of the Bay area and is known locally for his volunteer work at Shanklin Theatre.

Green Party candidate Harry Eccles is a nurse specialising in mental health and addiction, currently completing a master’s degree in Advanced Nurse Practice.

He also works at a national level within a nursing union and says he is passionate about workers’ rights, equality and the future of the NHS.

This is his first time standing for election.

Reform UK candidate Ros Freeman did not provide a statement.

The election will take place on May 7.