The Liberal Democrat deputy leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Andrew Garratt, is in a two-horse race with Reform UK.
Alan Stay is challenging Cllr Garratt in his Parkhurst and Hunnyhill ward.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted candidates for 100-word pitches and photos, either directly or through groups or parties.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Andrew Charles William Garratt (incumbent ward councillor)
I’ve worked hard to be a councillor who listens to residents and takes action on their behalf.
I’m standing for re-election because there are many things I want to see through.
These include the upgrades to council-owned prison estate roads, improving road safety such as the Horsebridge Hill speed limit, providing more play equipment at Hookes Way play area, enhancing our public spaces, and protecting our local environment from the Medina to Parkhurst Forest.
I am also absolutely committed to ensuring the council prioritises poverty reduction, cost of living support, and truly affordable housing for Islanders to rent and buy.
Alan Stay
The reason I have decided to stand in Parkhurst and Hunnyhill is quite simply that I really care about the area I have lived in all my life.
The current council has a clear disregard for public opinion and that needs to change. I’m just an ordinary person who has just had enough of the way our money has been wasted by the present council, and instead of just moaning about it, I want to try help fix it.
Our beautiful Island has so much to offer, I want to help keep it that way for generations to come.
Find out who your local councillor is, how and where to vote and the results of previous elections at www.isleofwight.vote - the Island's new hub for all things related to Local and General Elections, brought to you by Island Echo.
