Reform UK To Contest Every Seat As Several Councillors Stand Down Ahead Of Elections

Voters on the Isle of Wight will see a significantly changed political landscape at County Hall following next month’s local elections.

A total of 164 candidates are standing across the Island’s wards, with Reform UK contesting every seat.

The party has put forward 39 candidates, alongside 36 Conservatives, 30 Independents, 26 Greens, 17 Labour candidates, 14 Liberal Democrats and two representing the Vectis Party.

Among Reform’s candidates, current group leader Cllr Bill Nigh is seeking re-election in Lake North. Meanwhile, Cllr Caroline Gladwin—previously associated with the party—will stand as an independent in Central Rural.

Other notable Reform candidates include former general election candidate Ian Pickering in Freshwater South and Sandown town councillor Frank Baldry in Sandown South.

The elections will also mark the departure of several current councillors from across the political spectrum, with a number choosing not to stand again.

Those stepping down include Liberal Democrat councillor Sarah Redrup in Wootton Bridge, Independent David Adams of Nettlestone and Seaview, and Peter Spink, who has represented West Wight as part of Empowering Islanders.

On the Conservative side, Joe Robertson will stand down from his Bembridge council seat after nearly five years.

Labour’s only county councillor, Richard Quigley, is also stepping aside from his role representing Cowes North.

Green Party councillor Joe Lever, who represents Carisbrooke and Gunville, is another not seeking re-election.

Two long-serving figures in Island politics, Geoff Brodie and Clare Mosdell of the Very Broad Church group, will also leave County Hall after multiple terms in office.

The full make-up of the council will be decided when voters head to the polls on May 7.