County Hall is once again under Conservative control following the party’s victory in the Isle of Wight Local Elections with a strong majority of 25 seats.
Islanders went to the polls yesterday (Thursday) and voted in a total of 25 Conservatives, 9 Island Independents, 2 Lib Dems, 1 Green, 1 Labour and 2 Independent councillors. UKIP did not place.
Michael Lilley took victory in Ryde East, gaining the seat from Roger Whitby-Smith. It’s all change in Ryde North West too with Phil Jordan losing his seat to Conservative candidate Adrian Axford.
There was shock on the count floor when it was announced that former Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Jonathan Bacon, had lost his seat in the Brading, St Helens and Bembridge ward. Gordon Kendall also lost his seat in the ward.
There is disappointment for the independent Jon Gilbey and Richard Priest, who both lost their seats to Conservatives in Shanklin Central and Shanklin South.
Listen to Cllr Dave Stewart, leader of the Conservatives talking to Island Echo following the election victory:
You can catch up with all the results and Island Echo’s live coverage at www.islandecho.co.uk/localelections.
