58-year-old Michael Lilley is to stand for the Green Party in the upcoming by-election of the Ryde East ward on 10th March.
Michael is the Chief Executive of a mental health charity with a base on the Island, leading on innovation and research within a national group of organisations. He is also the Isle of Wight Green Party Deputy Leader and spokesperson on mental health issues on the Island.
Michael commented:
“In the run up to the May 2015 General Election, I was inspired by Vix Lowthion and decided to join the Green Party. Vix enabled me to connect my beliefs and values, which are about getting a balance between the environment and social justice.”
One of more than 9,000 Green voters on the Island, Michael is also one of over 300 new Green Party members and supporters in the last year, who want to work at local level to create sustainable jobs, affordable housing and strategies which focus on the real potential of the Island’s environment as its key asset.
In October last year, Michael along with Vix and Natalie Bennett, national leader of the Green Party, launched the Green Island initiative, a group of local business people and community activists committed to generate investment locally on Green projects.
Michael added:
“As a founder of a successful social enterprise that helps and support people who have experienced depression and anxiety, I am committed to support other community and social initiatives that tackle the issues local people face. There are many talented people on the Island and in Ryde East; they need support and investment to achieve their potential. I hope to help, with over 35 years direct experience of creating jobs and sustainable projects.”
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