The contest to replace Freshwater North and Yarmouth councillor Peter Spink is being fought between an Independent, the Tories, Reform UK and the Greens.
Four nominees include Simon Bevis Ayre (Labour Party), Debbie Conlin (Reform UK), Timothy John Jeffreys (Local Conservatives), Florence Sarlat (The Green Party) and David John Whistance (Independent).
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted candidates for 100-word pitches and images, either directly or through parties or groups, before the May 7 local elections.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Simon Bevis Ayre
Simon Ayre is a recently retired IT professional having worked for several councils in London and a trade union. He has a keen interest in local authority budgeting and finance and, as a non-driver, he has a particular interest in improving public transport on the Island.
Debbie Conlin
My husband and I moved to the West Wight when I retired after a 43 year career in public service.
It is a beautiful place which I am lucky to call home. However there is scope for improvement.
If I am elected I will put pressure on Island Roads. They will be told to maintain our drains properly. This should greatly reduce the flooding. They will also be told to properly clear up all the pot holes. Our communities deserve better.
Timothy John Jeffreys
I retired from my senior international business career eight years ago. This allowed me the opportunity to develop a second career in photography and film making (a life-long passion) whilst being able to promote our extraordinary beautiful Island through TV, film and photography.
My work is seen across the world, promoting the Island’s beauty to an international audience across multiple genres. In my role for the Conservative Association, I work closely with our councillors and MPs (passed and present) to ensure the Conservative values of championing our communities, protecting our Island and investing in our future are always our priorities.
Florence Sarlat
I worked as a managing director for a French bank for twenty years. In 2012, I decided to change my life, settled in the UK and trained as a yoga and mindfulness teacher.
I then worked with young people experiencing trauma, injustice and adverse childhood. I am a passionate activist for animal rights, social justice and ecology.
I believe that only by combining these three elements can one achieve a healthy and sustainable life. Now that I am retired, I want to put my energy to work for the local community.
David John Whistance
My family and I have lived in Colwell for 20 years, and I am standing as an Independent because local elections should be about local priorities, careful judgement and putting our community first.
I have run a local business, served as a school governor, campaigned to protect Yarmouth School, helped oversee Island school finances, chaired the Isle of Wight Music Hub, and served on Freshwater Parish Council.
I care deeply about protecting West Wight’s landscape, schools, communities and character, and I will bring practical thinking, careful scrutiny and an approachable, sensible voice for Freshwater North and Yarmouth residents’ everyday concern.
Find out who your local councillor is, how and where to vote and the results of previous elections at www.isleofwight.vote - the Island's new hub for all things related to Local and General Elections, brought to you by Island Echo.
