Runner-Up In Lake North By-Election Pours Cold Water Over Bitterness Accusations

The runner-up in last Thursday’s Lake North Isle of Wight Council by-election has poured cold water over accusations of bitterness from Reform UK.

The Conservatives’ Adrian Whittaker said he was neither “bitter” nor “twisted” and that his defeat to Councillor David Maclean has not affected his current position as deputy mayor of Shanklin Town Council and vice-chairman of Lake Parish Council.

He spoke to the press yesterday afternoon.

Earlier that day, Reform UK accused Cllr Maclean’s “political opponents” of creating a “cynical and bitter media storm” after he missed his first initiation ceremony as a newly elected councillor at County Hall on Tuesday.

A press office spokesperson from the right-wing populist party said:

“Cllr Maclean unfortunately could not attend his initiation due to a serious illness in the family.

"We believe it’s perfectly reasonable for an individual to take time away to attend to such serious matters.

“I believe he (Cllr Maclean) went in on Wednesday to confirm himself as councillor and do his induction.

“As far as I’ve been told this was a story that came about…from his bitter, defeated Conservative opponents.”

Cllr Whittaker admitted being “disappointed” with the result but added he was “still content and happy” with his town and parish council roles.

He believed Cllr Maclean had won the contest on the basis of “national policies” but that the Conservatives could “quite easily” win back the seat.

“We have to recognise the position the Conservatives found themselves in over the last 14 years and we need to build up on key local issues.

“We need to look at adult social care, housing; we need to negotiate more strongly on the ferries; we need to make sure the devolution deal is the best for the Island that we possibly can get.”

Turning to his relations with Lake North’s new representative, Cllr Whittaker said:

“As long as he has Lake residents at heart, it’s fine. From the parish council perspective, we have to work with the Isle of Wight ward councillor.

“I have already messaged Cllr Maclean some ward issues that I was dealing with previously, only regarding potholes. At the moment he hasn’t responded to any of my emails.”