The Greens, Reform UK and the Conservatives are seeking to unseat a former chair of the Isle of Wight Council in the upcoming local elections.
Local Conservative Peter Ronald Ball, Reform UK’s Mark Andrew Stone and Christopher Byron Warleigh-Lack of the Green Party are contesting incumbent independent councillor Karl Love’s East Cowes seat.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) requested 100-word candidate pitches and photos either directly or through parties or groups, before voters head to the polls in the first Island-wide council elections since 2021.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Peter Ronald Ball
I am Peter Ball. I’m a retired firefighter and presently a foster carer with my wife. I have lived in East Cowes for 27 years. I am commodore of East Cowes sailing club.
I have recently persuaded the council to get the slipway reopened on the seafront so that we can reintroduce youth sailing back into East Cowes, something we lost 40 years ago.
I’m a drummer with various bands on the Island and I’m instrumental in providing the stage and entertainment during the 200th anniversary of Cowes week this year in East Cowes.
I am passionate about the town I live in.
Karl Love (incumbent ward councillor)
Our Island, a beautiful place to live and work. I have represented East Cowes positively and it’s been a great humbling experience.
Politics is like riding a roller coaster, sometimes good, sometimes not. Hope and hard work is what I offer in this. We have difficult choices to face.
Our birthrate has collapsed, our economy is perilous and yet, there is real community spirit and creativity.
My role is to scrutinise and find ways to improve complexities for all our benefit. I have kept you informed, leveraging to preserve while making things happen. I grab and create community opportunities. Thank you for trusting me.
Mark Andrew Stone
No response
Christopher Byron Warleigh-Lack
I am an East Cowes town councillor, and have been a member of the Green Party for many years, first standing in local and parliamentary elections for Ealing in 2010.
I volunteer my time in a number of organisations including as a trustee of the Quay Arts Centre in Newport. I’m a heritage professional and believe in the value of culture, and importance of heritage in our sense of place and community.
Like others in the Green Party I believe that we need to make bold and brave decisions to see positive changes to our Island and community.
