Island Labour has revealed its candidates ahead of May’s local elections.
Islanders will go to the polls on 6 May, to vote for their local councillor.
As previously reported by Isle of Wight Radio, the Island Labour manifesto was launched last week.
Now, a full list of candidates has been revealed.
Island Labour Chair, Richard Quigley told Isle of Wight Radio:
'Very few people are happy with the way the current Conservative administration have managed the council over the last 4 years. A constant reduction in services coupled with increased council tax bills isn’t helping anyone, but its not good enough to say “vote for us because we aren’t the Tories”. We need to give people a reason to vote Labour.
'Our manifesto is unapologetically ambitious, but is credible and affordable and builds on the actions of successful councils around the country. The main aim is to build community wealth through the spending of more of the council budget with Island businesses, rather than continually handing contracts to mainland firms.
'We also want to help regenerate our towns and high streets with the introduction of free parking and make eliminating child poverty a key measure in all council departments. That coupled with the increase in our vote in the last two General Elections means we have attracted 28 candidates prepared to put themselves forward and work hard for the Island. It means this May, residents have a real choice of how they vote.'
Totland and Colwell
Billy Hancock, he said:
‘I will make West Wight voices heard at an Island level. I want to strengthen the community, protect the environment, and help the local economy prosper by keeping wealth local.'
Newport West
Brian Quigley, he said:
‘I believe in Civic Duty, the need for a greater level of inward investment which benefits the Island through more jobs and services and I support our incredible, hard-working NHS Heroes!’
Shanklin South
Christopher Lloyd, he said:
‘Labour's manifesto will harness the Island's economy for the benefit of local businesses and the community, increasing environmental sustainability, reducing poverty, and improving educational support, training, and quality job opportunities.’
Sandown North
Clive Cheetham, he said:
“For too long Sandown has rested on the laurels of past greatness, today it needs desperately to look to the future.”
Lake North
Gary Clarke, he said:
'A Labour led Council will prioritise investing and spending our resources locally.'
Shanklin Central
Kenneth Crawley, he said:
‘living in Shanklin for the past sixteen years, and as a retired Precision Toolmaker with three Grown up children working in the Navy and the Prison Service, I want to put a stop to the mismanagement of this Council.’
Cowes South & Northwood
Philip Attfield, he said:
‘I'm proud to live in Cowes and stand as a Labour candidate to represent local issues and help build a strong and fair economy with Island Labour’s manifesto.’
Central Rural
Richard Hill, he said:
‘Having grown up on the Island, studied and achieved an Engineering Degree, with my children going through school, it is safe to say that I know and understand the needs of Island Life.’
Cowes North
Richard Quigley, he said:
‘As a small business owner, I understand how we need to invest in Cowes to create a prosperous future for all. The Tories can only deliver more cuts and reductions to services.’
Sandown South
Robert Thompson, he said:
"Robert M Thompson. Director Slingshot Records. Husband and father of three. Isle of Wight since 1996. Former teacher (thirty years.)"
Ventnor & St Lawrence
Steve Cooper, he said:
‘I have lived in Ventnor for over 20 years, have 2 sons island born and bred and have served and represented people for nearly 40 years in trade union and other representative roles.’
Ryde West
Steve Double, he said:
'Hello from an I.W.N.H.S employee, and former Ryde Youth Worker. I am supporting the Local Labour Manifesto to 'build back better', a future for everyone.'
Carisbrooke & Gunville
Verity Bird, she said:
"My goal is to work for a sustainable future for Carisbrooke and Gunville, balancing economic necessity with community need and respect for our environment."
Mountjoy and Shide
Alan Hunter, he said:
'I am proud to stand in my local ward. You will see me more often than every four years.'
Parkhurst & Hunnyhill
Pauline Hunter, she said:
'I am proud to be standing for the Labour Party to represent Parkhurst and Hunnyhill on the Isle of Wight Council.'
Lake South
Sarah McCarthy-Fry, she said
'Local Communities are the lifeblood of our Island. A Labour led Council will prioritise local investment and local expenditure.'
Other candidates, who have not yet issued statements include:
Ryde South East
Emily Brothers
Wroxall, Lowtherville & Bonchurch
Justin Tracey
Ryde Monktonmead
Mick Lyons
Newport Central
Simon Haytack
Haylands and Swanmore
Sue Lyons
Cowes Medina
Alan Bates
Brading & St Helens
Alexander Buggie
Newchurch, Havenstreet & Ashey
Anna Beach
Cowes West and Gurnard
Josh Pointing
East Cowes
Nettlestone & Seaview
Mark Rees