Bob Seely, the Conservative’s Parliamentary candidate for the Isle of Wight, officially launched his 2017 General Election campaign in Ryde earlier today (Thursday).
The Central Wight county councillor from Chillerton is in the running to become the Island’s next MP as he goes up against Nick Belfitt (Lib Dem), Vix Lowthion (Green), Julian Critchley (Lab), Daryl Pitcher (UKIP) and Julie Jones-Evans (Ind) in next month’s snap election on 8th June.
Mr Seely has promised to find solutions to the Island’s transport issues including ensuring the future of Island Line, developing more cycle routes and striving for a better service from unregulated ferry companies.
The campaign launch took place at Appley Beach over looking the Solent.
In his election address, Bob Seely – full name Robert Seely MBE – says:
“I have loved the Isle of Wight ever since I was a child, and to represent the Island in our Parliament is my dream. If elected, I pledge to represent all Islanders, regardless of political affiliation or belief.
“Nationally, we have a clear choice: between Thera May’s strong and stable leadership on one side, and on the other a ragbag Coalition of Chaos led by Jeremy Corbyn. We need to back the Prime Minster and help her get the Brexit right, or put at risk our local economic security. That means our Island jobs are at risk if people support Jeremy Corbyn’s candidate. It means the finances to pay for our local schools across the Island and funding for strong public services will be under threat.
“On the Island, we also have a choice. We can add to an experience Conservative team, or go with untried and untested alternatives. If elected, I promise to work with all Councillors to ensure that we collectively deliver for Islanders.
Article continues below this advertisement “I have 4 years already as a campaigner on the Island delivering for residents. I’ve battled – and beaten – developers to save coastal land. I’ve rescued building for my local community, and defended services in the West Wight. I understand that representing Islanders is about more than empty protest..
“Some of you know I was a soldier. I’ve seen active service in Afganistan and Iraq. I’m now ready to put my permanent military service behind me, and fight new battles as the Island’s Member of Parliament. I love my country, and I love my Island too – and I am proud to come from an Island family.
“However, Government needs to deliver. We need a new deal with Government. As Theresa May’s candidate I am best placed to make that new deal with Government. Working with others, I will strive to get that deal. Under the current housing system, developers make millions building homes that Islanders cannot afford: that is not right and I am delighted that the Conservative manifesto will recognise this. We export our young to the mainland because we lack the higher and technical education opportunities for them here: that is not right. We seem to be in a permanent struggle to defend public services from leaving the Island: that is not right. I will campaign within Parliament for change.
“The Island’s voice must be heard in Westminster loud and clear. Government needs to deliver for our Island. But this is also about enabling ourselves to succeed. I will work with all Islanders: residents, volunteers, community workers, business men and woman, people from across the political divide, to deliver a better future for all our people.
Bob concluded by saying:
“I see a direct link between: fighting over-development, preserving the landscape, ‘greening’ our Island, sustainable growth, developing the knowledge economoy, attraction educational institutions, attracting high-tech firms, supporting alternative forms of public transport, driving education standards; all to produce a vvirtuous circle of sustainable growth, better quality of life and raised aspirations in a caring and united community. That is my vision, and one I look forward to taking to the Island over the next few weeks”.
