Lake North Vote Shows "Seismic Shift" In Politics, Says New Councillor

The Island’s newest councillor wants Reform UK to take control of the Isle of Wight Council at the next election.

The newly elected Bill Nigh won his place at County Hall yesterday after a by-election in Lake North.

He said the result shows a “seismic shift” in politics – and told reporters the country was “in a state” and change would not come “from the top” but instead from the “ground up”.

He won the by-election “third time lucky” and said he was “absolutely delighted” with the result, pledging to do his best for the people of Lake.

Cllr Nigh said:

“Settling in will be the first thing I’m going to have to do but I’ll make sure I attend meetings regularly at County Hall and at local level as well.

“I shall be speaking to people throughout the ward to ascertain exactly what their concerns are, and they will be my priorities.

“Up until now there’s been quite a few issues with roads and potholes, delays – anybody that’s travelled around the Island knows those are the regular issues.”

Bill Nigh’s background

The Isle of Wight Council’s newest addition previously said he does not come from a political background “originally” but became “actively involved” in 2016 via Leave.EU and then subsequently the Brexit party and Reform UK.

A Ventnorian by birth and upbringing, his father and grandfather were “well known” local businessmen.

His professional and educational background includes graduating from University College London, joining the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and later qualifying as a solicitor.

Before joining Island law firm Jerome and Co. as a partner, he said he “worked mainly in London.”

His career then took him into hospitality, “owning and running” businesses at Steephill Cove, Luccombe Chine and Bonchurch.

Lake North

Reform retook Lake North by 41 votes ahead of Tory candidate Adrian Whittaker on a 28.43 per cent turnout.

It first won the seat in a May by-election, leading to David Maclean’s brief tenure of only a few months.

Mr Maclean stepped down in August after his attendance record came under scrutiny, including no-shows at key education committee meetings.

The party, currently ahead in national opinion polls, hopes to take control of County Hall at next May’s Isle of Wight Council elections, Cllr Nigh told the press last night.