Shanklin South’s Isle of Wight councillor of 9 years, Chris Quirk, is seeking a third term amid opposition from an independent, the Greens, Labour and Reform UK.
Wendy Cooper of the Green Party, Billy James Richard Hill, Reform UK’s David John Llewellyn and Labour candidate Christopher Thomas Lloyd are fighting for the Conservative incumbent’s seat in the run-up to the May 7 local elections.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted candidates for 100-word pitches and photos, either directly or via parties or groups.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Wendy Cooper
I recently retired as a home carer. I now volunteer with Barnardos, and run a music group in Shanklin. I am a town councillor, an active member of the bus and rail users group (IWBRUG) and seek to improve travel around the island. I wish to work collaboratively in The Bay Area to improve people’s quality of life and enhance the natural environment.
Billy James Richard Hill
As an independent, you and Shanklin South will be my first priority, not the priorities of a political party whose interests may lie outside the ward. Shanklin has been part of my life for over two decades and today, like you, I live in this town.
I have a track record of standing up for residents and businesses, and I believe money should be spent wisely. The coastal defence scheme and Bay Place Plan are vital to Shanklin South’s future. If elected, I will be ready from day one, with you and the needs of the ward as my focus.
David John Llewellyn
A proud Shanklin resident, I care deeply about maintaining our town’s unique charm while ensuring it remains a great place for families, young people, and older residents alike.
I believe in being accessible, accountable, and approachable, and I am always ready to listen. If elected, I will work hard to represent everyone fairly, stand up for local interests, and make sure our community’s voice is heard, try to find ways of saving money and providing true value for money.
My focus will always be on delivering practical common-sense results and
supporting a stronger, more connected Shanklin and Isle of Wight.
Christopher Thomas Lloyd
Long-time Shanklin local, Chris, is ready to put his retail, engineering and data-science experience to the service of his community; driving Bay-wide regeneration to benefit Shanklin, Lake, and Sandown.
After years of poor representation, Chris will be an accessible, accountable councillor who helps build a more compassionate and prosperous future for Shanklin South.
Chris says: “I’ll work with Labour colleagues across government on fair funding for Island services, push for better ferries and bus services – and utilise the opportunities presented by devolution to deliver genuinely affordable homes which meet the needs of you, your family and our community.”
Chris Quirk
I have lived in Shanklin for 22 years and served as an Isle of Wight councillor for the last nine. I’m also a Shanklin town councillor and have served two terms as mayor. When Shanklin Theatre was under threat of closure I helped to secure the sale of the building to Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust and have chaired the Board of Trustees since it was created.
The trust also purchased the old library to create a Performing Arts Centre. For the last eight years I have been actively engaged with the Environment Agency resulting in the renewal of the Sea Wall and Groynes.
