Four candidates are battling leader of the Isle of Wight Conservative group at County Hall, Cllr Ed Blake, for his Ventnor and St Lawrence seat.
Craig Dabbs (Reform UK), Robin Frederick Jarvis (Labour Party), Linda Jefferies (Island Independent Network) and Graham James Mark Perks (Vectis Party) are standing in the ward, represented by Cllr Blake since December 2023.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted candidates for 100-word pitches and photos, either directly or through parties or groups.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Ed Blake
I am a commercial fisherman and businessman. I have always lived in the area having initially grown up in St Lawrence before moving across town. I became chairman at Ventnor RFC in 2018 until last year; I still play for the team and we won our league this year away at Aldershot.
Life in Ventnor and St Lawrence is not an easy one, as we have so many challenges but I’m motivated to help fellow residents and have proven I can deliver for the town in the short time I have been elected.
Craig Dabbs
I retired from the police 10 years ago and I moved to Ventnor where I embarked on a new adventure, establishing a small business that operates all over the Island.
I hope to use my experience and love of our town to serve the ward and its residents. The way our roads are managed is unacceptable and we have all experienced the frustrations and inconvenience caused by this mismanagement within our town.
I will work robustly to ensure that roadworks in the future are better thought out and their impact on our town is kept to the bare minimum.
Robin Frederick Jarvis
Robin Jarvis is a Ventnor resident who likes to swim in the sea as often as possible. Robin is particularly concerned about the excessive amount of sewage discharges here – so if elected Robin would have his sights firmly set on cleaning up the Island’s bathing waters.
Linda Jefferies
Hello I am Linda Jefferies and I am standing as an independent. I have served on Ventnor Town Council for the last two years, where I have gained a vast amount of experience, putting forward residents’ concerns.
I am a born and bred Islander and believe more women should be involved in the decision-making of the Isle of Wight Council. I will speak up for residents and make a strong representation.
It is residents’ issues and concerns that mean the most to me and not party politics. As an independent I will represent you at County Hall and not a party. I will not be influenced by anyone else.
Graham James Mark Perks
Known by many residents of Ventnor for running a succession of local businesses including the Winter Gardens, Graham has lived in the town for nearly forty years.
Recently Graham, like many locally, has been increasingly concerned about the road network in and around Ventnor. Of particular concern is the continued closure of Bath Road which he sees as a priority problem to fix.
He also wants to see Ventnor do better with tourism by keeping the town centre filled with vibrant shops and using the town’s artistic reputation to secure more visitors.
