Four Candidates Vie For Ryde Monktonmead Seat In Upcoming Council Elections

The chair of the environment committee, Karen Lucioni, is facing three challengers as she looks to retain her Ryde Monktonmead seat on the Isle of Wight Council.

Chris Brown (Reform UK), Sue Maddison (Local Conservatives) and Matt Walker (The Green Party) will all contest the ward in the local elections on May 7.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) invited each candidate to submit a 100-word statement outlining their priorities.

Their responses are published below, in no particular order.

Chris Brown (Reform UK):

“I am a retired police officer and live in Ryde. If elected, I will be a visible and accountable councillor, delivering real results for Ryde Monktonmead.

"I will listen to residents, tackle local issues head on, ensuring our community is safe, vibrant and supported.

"Crime in Ryde is around 16 per cent higher than the Isle of Wight average, with approximately 80 crimes per 1,000 people compared to 69 across the Island.

"Antisocial behaviour and violence remain among the most commonly reported issues locally.

"This is unacceptable, and if elected I will work tirelessly to change it, delivering safer streets for all.”

Karen Lucioni (Incumbent)

“I am standing as your local candidate because I believe trust is earned through action and strengthened by community.

"Everything I do is driven by the people I represent. I have proudly represented Ryde Monktonmead for five years, working hard to deliver real results.

"I’m not here to make promises I can’t keep, I’m here to listen, to act, and to stand alongside you when it matters most.

"Together, we have already achieved so much, and I am committed to building on that success.

"I will always be visible, approachable, and determined to fight for our community – the community I care deeply about.”

Sue Maddison (Local Conservatives):

Sue Maddison has worked in Dublin, Johannesburg and London in advertising and office administration.

She moved to Ryde in 1994 and has lived on Bellevue Road for more than 30 years.

She volunteers weekly with Year 5 pupils at Dover Park Primary through Schoolreaders.

Her interests include geology, gemmology and genealogy.

Sue has also skydived and gained a pilot licence while living in Johannesburg.

In London, she played darts for a local ladies team and coxed on the Thames for Molesey Boat Club. She is now involved in various aspects of Island Conservatives.

Matt Walker (Green Party):

“I work as a nurse on the Island in education and development, and I am also a university lecturer and RCN member.

"My hobbies include enjoying our beaches for swimming and kayaking, gardening, natural history, countryside walks and home cooking.

"I am an advocate of sustainability and stewardship of our natural landscapes, social equality and improving public health.”