Island Roads, Ferries And Cost Of Living Among Key Issues Highlighted During Local Elections

Island Roads, ferry services and the cost of living were among the major issues raised by voters during the Isle of Wight Council election campaign, according to candidates across the political spectrum.

Votes were counted at Medina Leisure Centre on Friday following polling day, with several newly elected and returning councillors outlining their priorities for the next four years at County Hall.

Bill Nigh, who regained the Lake North seat for Reform UK, said one of the party’s first priorities could be setting up a committee or sub-committee to “look at Island Roads”.

Reform secured 19 seats on the council, becoming the largest voting bloc at County Hall.

Cllr Nigh said:

“Island Roads is a real niggle for Islanders – see what we can do about that.”

He also said the party would examine possible savings within the authority and claimed the result showed “the old order basically has gone”.

In Lake North, Cllr Nigh won with 421 votes ahead of Adrian Whittaker on 387.

Meanwhile, returning Newport Central councillor Julie Jones-Evans said she was “honoured” voters had once again put their faith in her.

The Alliance independent, who has represented the ward since 2009, highlighted council finances as one of the biggest challenges ahead but also pointed to concerns including traffic in Mill Street, road safety and Newport regeneration.

She secured victory in Newport Central with 440 votes.

Elsewhere, newly elected Labour councillor Jock Rafferty won the Cowes North seat previously held by Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley.

Mr Rafferty said the “work starts now” and identified the Floating Bridge as one of the biggest concerns raised on the doorstep during campaigning.

He said:

“We need to do something positive about that.”

Phil Attfield, Election Agent for Island Labour candidates, said:

“On the doorstep and online, the cost of living, traffic congestion and disruption caused by Island Roads’ planning were common themes.

"They came up again and again across all of the wards where Labour candidates were out and about.

"As you might expect, the cost of Solent Ferries and worries over the Council’s choices on where it spends our taxpayer money also came up.

"Money is tight for many of us and improving job opportunities for working islanders is an absolute must.”

Candidates and politicians from across the Island also shared what residents had been telling them during the campaign.

Becca Cameron said flooding and Military Road were major concerns in Freshwater South, while Joe Robertson said ferry services, jobs, opportunities and the cost of living featured heavily in conversations with voters.

Robert May said residents in Shanklin Central had highlighted issues including damaged seafront steps and roads needing repair.

Independent councillor Debbie Andre said many people appeared to be voting from a national perspective in an attempt to “send a message to government”.

Meanwhile, East Cowes councillor Karl Love said voters had regularly raised concerns about the economy and personal finances.

Other issues mentioned by candidates included potholes, traffic lights, recreation grounds and local infrastructure projects.

The new council will now begin forming committees and setting priorities for the term ahead following one of the Island’s most closely watched local elections in recent years.