Three-Way Contest In Ryde Appley And Elmfield As Incumbent Seeks Third Term

Ryde Appley and Elmfield councillor Michael Lilley is aiming for a third term at the Isle of Wight Council, facing competition from Reform UK and the Conservatives in the upcoming local elections.

The Liberal Democrat incumbent is being challenged by Ross Caruana (Reform UK) and Abdul Mateen (Local Conservatives) at the County Hall polls.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked candidates to provide 100-word statements and photos ahead of election day.

Here is what they said, in their own words:

Ross Caruana (Reform UK)

Mr Caruana says he is standing because he believes Ryde deserves a representative who understands the everyday lives of local residents.

He says he has lived in Ryde for nearly 20 years and wants to give something back to the community.

He says he is committed to ensuring the voices of Appley and Elmfield are heard clearly and acted upon.

He currently works in retail, which he says keeps him closely connected to local people and the realities of daily life in the town.

Michael Lilley (Liberal Democrat, incumbent councillor)

Cllr Lilley says he has been an Isle of Wight councillor since 2017 and lives in the ward with his wife Julia and their dog Benson.

He previously served as mayor of Ryde from 2019 to 2023.

He says he is passionate about environmental and human rights issues and has worked with residents to protect green spaces and challenge sewage discharges into the Solent.

He highlights his role in preventing the closure of both primary schools in the ward, supporting the refurbishment of Appley Tower, and helping establish Network Ryde Youth Service.

He says his campaign is based on his record as a local representative.

Abdul Mateen (Conservative)

No statement was provided.