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'Our Island' - Former Council Leader Behind New Isle Of Wight Political Party

Jonathan Bacon has created 'Our Island'.

A former Isle of Wight Council leader is fronting a new political party, which aims to "take control" of County Hall next year.

Among the aims of 'Our Island' is to scrap and replace the much-maligned floating bridge. 

It comes four years after the group's founder, Jonathan Bacon, sanctioned the vessel's construction during his two-year stint as council leader.

At the time, he promised a "more efficient" chain ferry which would improve the "reliability" of the service.

As well as the floating bridge, the party is also aiming to "regulate ferry services", "increase support for mental health services" and "combine planning with transport/highways to create a cohesive and holistic approach to place-shaping."

Mr Bacon said:

“My previous experience of the council and working in and with a number of Parish and Town Councils has convinced me that we need to change how things are done and how things are organised on the Isle of Wight. My hope is to facilitate a movement that will unite those who think things can and should be done better.

“We particularly want to bring forward new Councillors and those who might previously have been discouraged from getting involved in politics by committing to change the system so it works for residents and not just for the politicians.

"We need people who are innovative and creative to help take us forward. Key to the aims and proposals the movement is putting forward is that residents and businesses should be engaged and involved in creating policy and decision making."

Mr Bacon took the helm of the Isle of Wight Council in 2015, following the resignation of Cllr Ian Stephens.

He left in 2017, alongside then deputy Cllr Steve Stubbings. However, he is now plotting a return to politics with the aim of "bringing about change". 

A spokesperson said the party wants to bring together voices from across the whole community: 

"With such a unity of purpose we hope to take back control of our Island and guide our community. Not just to a brighter future, but to the brighter future we want and one that the Island needs and deserves. Working together we can be so much stronger."

The party says several candidates are already in place as it targets the 2021 local elections. But, it is calling for more to come forward.

Laura Laurenson is the current 'Our Island' candidate for Newchurch, Havenstreet and Ashey, while Phil Warren is the 'Our Island' candidate for Ventnor and St Lawrence.

The party's policies can be found at ourislandiw.com.

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