In less than 24 hours time polling stations across the Isle of Wight will open their doors for the local elections, giving Islanders the chance to elect new county, town and parish councillors.
It could be a complete shake up at County Hall should the Conservatives not gain a majority, although the party are the only ones fielding candidates in all 39 wards. It was back in January that the Conservatives took over control of the Isle of Wight Council when the Island Independents’ leader, Jonathan Bacon, stepped down.
The past 12 months have been somewhat turbulent for politics on the Isle of Wight, with not only a sudden change of leadership but the conviction of Cllr Phil Jordan for drink-driving, multiple Executive member changes and the continued financial struggles facing the Island.
A total of 40 Conservative, 26 Green, 18 Lib Dem, 30 Labour, 10 UKIP, 21 Island Independent and 12 Independent candidates are standing in tomorrow’s election.
Local residents can see who is standing in their ward at www.islandecho.co.uk/localelections. Island Echo will be bringing you updates throughout Thursday daytime, with LIVE coverage and those all important results from the count from 22:00 and into the early hours of Friday.
