An ecstatic Mark Jefferies has said he did not expect to win yesterday’s Isle of Wight Council by-election by such a margin, describing clinching almost 50% of the vote as ‘outstanding’.
Councillor Jefferies secured a total of 473 votes to win the Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch’s seat, ahead of Reform’s Bill Nigh in 2nd with 225 votes.
Speaking to Island Echo in the minutes after being elected, Councillor Jefferies said that he intends to carry on what he has been doing to date, between now and next May’s local elections, as clearly it is popular with the electorate.
Mark said that, as an Independent councillor, he is happy to have talks with other parties, but at the moment he has no plans to join the Alliance group.
The born and bred Ventnorian has worked in the building trade for most of his working life as well as taking part in many charities and volunteering roles, including helping to launch the diabetes research charity shop in Ventnor.
The Ventnor town councillor made his county councillor bid with the support of Rodney Downer, a veteran of Island independent politics who represented Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch for 16 years.
Prior to stepping down, Mr Downer played an instrumental role in the Save Wroxall School campaign, both in County Hall and protesting on the streets of Newport – something which Cllr Jefferies also actively participated in.
He hopes to continue in Rodney’s footsteps, describing him as an inspiration who taught him very much in the last four plus years.
A key plank of their shared vision is a people before politics mantra – that political parties should stay out of local government, with councillors focusing on community and residents.
To back up this claim, Cllr Jefferies has pointed to being chair of Friends of Ventnor Cemetery, Upper Ventnor Community Association and vice chair of Ventnor Carnival Association, on top of his Ventnor Town Council work and attending Wroxall Parish Council meetings.
His first opportunity to speak in the County Hall chamber is just around the corner with a Full Council meeting beckoning next Wednesday.
