With just two weeks to go until polling stations across the country open their doors for the General Election, we take a look at the Isle of Wight’s prospective parliamentary candidates who are standing to become your next MP.
6 candidates are battling it out to be elected as the Island’s MP, a role previously held by Mr Andrew Turner since 2001.
If you have registered to vote, you would have received a poll card through the post with details of your dedicated polling station. You do not need to take the poll card with you to vote, but you must have registered.
So, who will you choose as the Island’s next MP?
Iain McKie (UKIP)
Lives: Totland
Iain has been working in finance since 1991, initially in the equity markets and latterly in the energy and commodities markets. Since 2006 his work took him to the centre of the EU’s energy and climate policies, and he worked as an Investment Manager for one of the world’s largest environmental funds, as Director of Emissions for a US investment bank, and as Senior Emissions Trader for Europe’s largest power company. Iain married Sara in 2006 at St Edmund’s in Wootton, and they had their son, Daniel the following year. In 2009 they moved to the Island permanently (Totland Bay) having spent almost ten years visiting family every few weeks. Iain is 45 years old.
Website: https://www.iainmckie.co.uk/
Andrew Turner (Con)
Lives: Newport
Andrew Turner was elected MP for the Isle of Wight in 2001, having kept the promise he made at the 1997 General Election when he said, “I love the Island. It’s a wonderful place to live. If I am not elected I shall not simply up sticks and look elsewhere, but stay and fight again.” In 2005 and 2010 Andrew was re-elected.
Andrew has repeated his commitment to the Island. “The Isle of Wight is my home. I live in the county town of Newport, right at the heart of the Island. It is a good base for me to visit every part of the Island to meet the people that I represent at Westminster. Something I love to do”. Andrew lists his leisure interests as reading, walking, old movies and avoiding gardening.
Website: https://www.keepandrew2015.co.uk/
Vix Lowthion (Green)
Lives: West Wight
Vix Lowthion is a lecturer in Geology and Geography in Newport and is a mum of three young boys aged 3, 6 and 8. Vix has lived on the Isle of Wight since 2005, with family living in the East Wight. She says she is proud of the Island’s landscapes, culture, businesses and people.
Vix is a farmer’s daughter and spent her childhood living and working on the family dairy farm. She read History at the University of York and taught in a very busy inner-city Leeds High School for six years. Since having children she has studied part time with the Open University and is on course to finish her BSc in 2016 – with an emphasis on Geology and Energy and Sustainability.
Website: https://www.votevix.org/
David Goodall (Lib Dem)
Lives: Southampton
David was born in Southampton and started school there, however moved to Cowes at a young age with the family. David started his career as a Technician Apprentice at Plessey in Cowes and is now Project Manager for an international research and development company, based in Romsey. He is married and has twin sons. They all live in Southampton and regularly attend Thornhill Baptist Church.
For 4 years David served as a Parish Councillor in Wootton Bridge and since 2002 has been an Eastleigh Borough Councillor. In 2011 David was also elected to West End Parish Council where he is current Chairman. Since 2002 David has also been School Governor in Southampton serving on the main Governor body and on sub-committees.
In 2012 David stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner elections for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, although failing to win overall David did top the poll in his home area of Eastleigh.
Website: https://www.davidgoodall.org.uk/en/
Stuart Blackmore (Lab)
Lives: Ventnor
Stewart has lived on the Island since 1977 and is a hospitality and tourism professional. He says he knows first-hand how important tourism is to our Island economy. He has work experience of further education, having been a senior lecturer in hospitality teaching BTEC and HND students.
Stewart is town councillor for Ventnor. He is Chair of the local Ventnor British Legion and a Vice President of Ventnor Rugby Football Club. Stewart stood as a Labour candidate in 2014’s local election.
Website: https://www.stewart4isleofwight.co.uk/
Ian Stephens (Ind) –
Lives: Ryde
Ian was born on the Isle of Wight and is a retired communications consultant. He has been an elected Member of the Isle of Wight Council since 2001 and been involved in many departments. He is the former leader of the Isle of Wight Council.
Ian was sponsored for the position as Chairman of the Local Government Association for Culture, Tourism and Sport which represents all 373 Local Authorities in England and Wales. This position allows Ian to meet with Ministers in London and discuss various aspects of the Board at a senior National level.
Website: https://www.ianstephens.co.uk/
