EXCLUSIVE: Isle Of Wight Conservative Candidate Can't Campaign Alone After 'Horrible' Abuse 

A young candidate for the Isle of Wight’s local elections says she can’t campaign alone anymore - after she received inappropriate comments and abuse from men.

EXCLUSIVE... Cara Lock, who is standing for Parkhurst and Hunnyhill, told Isle of Wight Radio she had ripped up letters thrown in her face and men who claim to “only like her for her appearance”.

Miss Lock explained how she and her Granny were left shocked after a “topless male” made inappropriate comments after he received Miss Lock’s leaflet through his letterbox.

The 19-year-old is one of the youngest candidates standing at the election and lives in Newport, she was hassled in and around an area she knows well - Hunnyhill and Albany Road.

Speaking exclusively to Isle of Wight Radio, she said:

“Sadly, the best way of putting it, the older male generation liked me for my appearance and there were a few comments towards my appearance that did put me a little bit on edge and make me a little uncomfortable. It hasn’t stopped me at all from campaigning”.

Miss Lock added:

“I hate that people judge the parties rather than the individuals because we are all our own different, unique people. Especially for the council elections, it is less political and more unique and more personal about what we can bring to the Island and make it the best we can.”

She says she will no longer go campaigning alone as the ‘bad reactions or comments’ happen when she is on her own.

All Isle of Wight parties have been approached for a comment in relation to the story. None have had verbal abuse - Our Island says it has had abuse in the form of 'fake email accounts set up' and posters vandalised.

Asked how she reacts to the harassment, she said:

“Being a young female you sort of have to get used to it. That is the world we live in - as sad as it is. It shouldn’t be that way and I know a lot of people struggle with this. I’ve learnt to say thank you very much and have a nice day then move on...It is horrible. It is really painful to just suck it up.”

Miss Lock added:

‘I want to reiterate the minor incidents are in the minority. I’ve done 60 miles on foot already going around the ward. Again being Newport born and bred - there are multiple familiar or friendly faces around and I’ve never been short of help. Both residents and conservative members have also helped me delivering and multiple are already getting in touch.

‘The amount of support and positive engagements I’ve had with the public especially being a young female candidate is incredible. I hope to bring the representation for us to the council.  As a whole, I have fully enjoyed this experience and the minor incidents never put me off. They angered me for sure but again I knew I was never going to be everyone’s cup of tea.’

Conservative Leader, Dave Stewart concluded:

'Here we have a young Islander making her first steps into community commitment and a few individuals think it acceptable to act in this way. Fortunately, Cara is a strong intelligent young woman who will make an excellent Councillor.

'If elected and we lead the council it is my intention she will lead on the community engagement around the expenditure of funds at Camp Hill and she will do a great job. I hope she gets full support from voters to show how the Island can encourage and support new candidates. I also hope all parties will join me by speaking out against this unacceptable behaviour.'

Islanders will go to the polls next week (Thursday 6 May) and postal votes have already started being submitted.