When a young Liberal named Stephen Ross challenged the Conservative establishment on the Isle of Wight in 1974, few could have predicted how this would reshape Island politics for generations to come. Now, a free event is being held in Newport to remember the former MP and the Island’s political heritage.
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of that watershed moment, when Ross ended the Conservative Party’s 50-year hold on the Island’s parliamentary seat.
But the Island’s political history runs far deeper, with tales of intrigue stretching back over 400 years. From the days when the Isle of Wight returned 6 MPs chosen by just a handful of voters, the Island’s political heritage is rich with remarkable stories.
Emeritus professor Andrew Bradstock is set to bring fascinating chronicles to life in a special talk at Quay Arts – a venue with its own connection to Steve Ross, who helped establish it as the Island’s leading arts centre during his time as MP.
Professor Bradstock, whose PhD in political theory and research into the Island’s political history makes him well qualified to tell this story, will explore everything from the notorious ‘rotten boroughs’ of the 17th and 18th centuries, to the dramatic 1851 Ryde riots that left a parliamentary agent dead, to some of the remarkable figures who represented the Island in the 20th century, including of course Stephen Ross.
The free event featuring Professor Bradstock’s talk ‘The Honourable Member for the Isle of Wight: Stories of Island Elections and MPs over 400 Years’, will take place on Wednesday 5th March at 18:30 at Quay Arts, Newport. Refreshments will be provided.
While organised by the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats, this event is open to anyone interested in the Island’s rich political heritage and the colourful characters who have represented it in Parliament over the centuries. Those who remember Stephen Ross are encouraged to attend and share their memories.
50 years later islanders have had their voting
rights taken away from them!
I remember Steve Ross as such a hard worker, whilst studying in London I would see home on the Friday train to Portsmouth standing between in the link between carriages working on Island papers, and spending precious weekend time on constituency work. I eventually became a County Councillor for some years only resigning to emigrate.Steve demanded hard work and effort from us all but was the hardest working Leader. We also had Morris Barton as leader of the Council who also worked so hard. I often look at today’s politics in despair, they don’t make them great these days.
I think Steve Ross did try to put the islanders first but I am not a betting man my wife thought he could do no wrong but i wouldn’t go that far