Joe Robertson has told Island Echo he is ‘excited and honoured’ to be the Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East. St Helens-based Joe received a total of 10,427 votes in yesterday’s General Election securing a majority of 3,323 ahead of Reform’s Sarah Morris, who received 7,1o4 votes. The turnout in the East was 34,149 (61.14%), meaning Joe amassed 30.5% of the votes. Across the Island as a whole, the turnout was 68,517 (61.58%) – notably less than 2019’s 74,691 (66.09%). In the first few minutes after being declared the first-ever Isle of Wight East MP, Joe spoke to Island Echo about how he was feeling. With the declaration coming in at just before 04:30, he admitted he was a little weary in the small hours. Commenting on what Islanders can expect in the coming weeks, Joe said:
“I need to get to work on the things I was talking about during the election. The priorities – my shared priorities with the residents of the East – include promoting business and jobs. I need to start work right away to attract new business investment to the Island and to help local businesses grow. “Another priority is improving community care – that is a national issue that is going to take a monumental effort to solve but the new Labour government has a majority and a mandate to do that. “I want to ensure that I fight the Island’s corner and I will work with the newly elected Richard Quigley on the other side of the Island to make that happen”.
Joe’s other priorities for Parliament include improving and supporting local schools, tackling anti-social behaviour, delivering affordable homes, and dealing with the ferries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5i6KZ2DdFk
So, who is Joe Robertson MP?
Joe Robertson grew up in St Helens and now lives there with his wife and children. He attended Ryde School and began his career as a family law solicitor. Currently, Joe works for a national nursing charity, helping to increase the number of specialist nurses supporting people at home across the UK, including on the Island. As an Isle of Wight Councillor, Joe has been a vocal advocate for better roads and the protection of green spaces. He also coordinates for a national literacy charity, helping to increase the number of reading volunteers in Island primary schools to over 70 in the last year.