Local Elections: Meet The 'Next Generation' Of Isle Of Wight Councillors

Politics seems to be proving popular among the Isle of Wight's younger generation, with a number of teenage candidates announcing their intention to stand in the upcoming local elections.

Several press releases have been issued in the past week from some parties, and schools, revealing the "next generation" of councillors.

In an effort to be fair, Isle of Wight Radio has contacted each political party on the Island.

Cameron Palin - Isle of Wight Green Party

When he became an East Cowes Town councillor in November, 18-year-old Cameron cemented his position as the youngest councillor in the country.

He's now preparing to stand for the Isle of Wight Green Party in the Osborne ward, as Isle of Wight Radio first reported in October.

The Cowes Enterprise College A-Level, who lives in East Cowes, says he is standing to make a difference on a number of issues.

This includes improvement to the Cowes Floating Bridge, which he says needs urgent action to provide a frequent and reliable connection between East Cowes and West Cowes and to avoid an 11-mile car journey.

Cameron said:

“When Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP, visited the island it showed to me how much they care about local as well as national issues and I find that, and Caroline so inspirational. My other political hero is the Former South East MEP Alexandra Phillips.

“I really want to be elected so that I can continue to represent the constituents of the Isle of Wight on the issues that matter most to them.

“With nearly six months’ experience already under my belt as a councillor, I know that I’ve got the skills needed to do the job, and I’m able to bring a new perspective to the role.”

He is also calling for the completion of Saunders Way, which continues to attract large volumes of fly-tipping and the prevention of development on greenfield sites. He said all these are strong environmental issues.

After school he is hoping to study Primary Education at the University of Winchester, but Cameron said his commitments to constituents would come first - if he is elected, he plans to take a gap year to focus exclusively on council work and says he would then commute to the university from the Isle of Wight, again allowing him to focus on local issues and council work.

Cara Lock - Isle of Wight Conservatives

Newport resident Cara Lock is standing in the new Parkhurst and Hunnyhill ward.

The 19-year-old, who goes to school in Newport and works in the hospitality sector, said:

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to put myself forward for election as part of a team of candidates for the Island as a whole. It is widely recognised that public bodies (like the Isle of Wight Council) need to increase their number of younger and female members, and I hope that – by seeking election – I can help encourage more young women to consider standing for public office.

“Following my nomination, it is clear that there are a number of issues in Parkhurst & Hunnyhill that would benefit from having a local councillor who is working as an influential part of the majority group at County Hall. For example, a number of residents have welcomed the Conservative administration’s negotiations with the Ministry of Justice in respect of the ownership of the prison estate roads, and I have pressed the leadership of the Council to ensure that the evident strength of local feeling on this particular issue is taken into account as the decision is finalised. This is just one example of where I hope that a fresh approach, with a new councillor, can help make a difference – as the issue is still just at the first stage of a much longer-term process, requiring dialogue with residents about how such improvements get underway.

“I look forward to getting out and about in Parkhurst & Hunnyhill and meeting more voters, at a distance, between now and polling day. If elected, my role will be to represent residents of all ages who live in the ward, and I also hope to be a voice for younger people from across the Island who may currently feel under-represented.”

Rhys Wright - Isle of Wight Conservatives

19-year-old Rhys is the grandson of the late Adrian Axford. Cllr Axford , who represented Ryde North West, recently passed away. 

Rhys, who lives in Ryde, is looking to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather.

He is standing in the new Ryde Monktonmead ward.

Rhys, who attended schools in Ryde and Newport and now works in the care sector, said:

“My grandfather was a huge inspiration to me, as I grew up observing his considerable involvement in politics and civic life on the Island. His work in the Ryde community sparked my own interest in politics and led to me applying to stand as a candidate in the forthcoming elections.

"I had very much hoped to be seeking election alongside my grandfather, but sadly he was taken from us too soon.
 
“However, as we remember the public service he undertook over many years, I am even more determined to honour his memory by seeking to follow in his footsteps. My grandfather did great work for our local community, and I will be following his lead in seeking to do the same. I am just saddened that he is not here to see me do it.
 
“I recognise that, of course, I have much less experience that many existing councillors and candidates. But if I were elected, I would be working alongside others – bringing my own youthful perspective alongside the experiences and input offered by those who have previously served as councillor or had careers elsewhere. That’s the benefit of having a wider team: we can all collectively contribute. I look forward to chatting to voters over the coming weeks and listening to their views.”

Matthew Ambrosini - Isle of Wight Conservatives

Having recently turned is on course to make history after becoming one of the youngest people ever to stand for election in the UK.

Citing Winston Churchill as his political hero due to the former Prime Minister’s success at turning a bad situation around and giving people hope, Matthew expects that this is the first step of many in his political career, as he has aspirations of one day becoming an MP.

Matthew Ambrosini said:

“I’d urge people who are considering voting to see my youth as an asset – I’m bringing fresh ideas to the table, and I want to represent young people who seldom have a voice in politics, but will be the most affected by the decisions made.

“We’re in a period where politics has become very polarised, but I’m keen to be a councillor that listens to all sides of the argument, and I want people who have completely different opinions to be able to come to me to express them.”

Alongside his political ambitions, Matthew is studying for his Chemistry, Computer Science and Geography A Levels, and hopes to go on to study Computer Science at university.

However, he says that in the event he is elected, he plans to live on the Isle of Wight and commute to the University of Southampton, so that he can fulfil his commitments as a councillor.

Other parties

Leader of the Island Independent Group, Cllr Debbie Andre, confirmed no teenagers were standing for the group, but said: 

"I think it's good to see young candidates putting themselves forward from parties across the political spectrum. If elected, they may breathe a renewed energy and life into our councils, especially at grassroots level in Town and Parish Councils, where the voice of young people is too often ignored."

Jonathan Bacon, leader of Our Island, said the group is not standing any 'teenage' candidates. He said:

"We are however making it a key policy aim of our group that all Council decisions must take account of their effect on future generations."

Island Labour chair, Richard Quigley, confirmed no teenage candidates are standing in next month's elections.

Isle of Wight Radio has asked the Vectis Party for a comment.