Isle Of Wight Labour Party Introduces Central Rural Candidate

A Central Rural Labour councillor would support the “best interests of working people, families and the disadvantaged”, the Isle of Wight Labour Party has said.

The chair of the Island’s constituency Labour Party, Phil Attfield, introduced the third of the party’s by-election candidates, Simon Haytack, before voters head to the polls on May 1.

Mr Haytack, who works in the Central Rural ward, previously contested the 2021 Isle of Wight Council elections as a Labour candidate for Newport Central, coming third behind Julie Jones-Evans (independent) and Matthew Ambrosini (Conservatives).

He is one of five Islanders standing to be Central Rural’s next county councillor, replacing the Conservative Party’s Suzie Ellis.

Other confirmed candidates are Bob Blezzard (Liberal Democrat), Caroline Gladwin (Reform UK), Julia Laursen (Green Party) and Simon Richards (Conservative).

Chillerton and Gatcombe parish councillor, Julia Laursen, and Simon Richards, a public sector professional, have previously set out their stall to voters.

Julia said:

“As a life coach and therapist, I work with a wide variety of people. Working together for the greater good is my motivation for standing for local council, regardless of political beliefs.

“I was particularly motivated again to stand when I thought of how all the different (local) factions got together on the fracking, for example, in Arreton.”

Simon Richards said:

“With my background in public sector finance and charity work, I have the experience to get things done and ensure our voices are heard.”

He has also pledged to “work tirelessly” to ensure children have a “top-quality education” and for safer roads in the ward “to protect our families and ensure a safer environment for everyone”.

The Central Rural ward covers villages including Godshill, Arreton, Rookley and Chillerton.

Bob Blezzard and Caroline Gladwin have been approached for comment.