Residents in Lake North will go to the polls today (Thursday) to choose their next Isle of Wight councillor, following the resignation of Reform UK’s David Maclean just months after being elected.
All of the UK’s major political parties are contesting the by-election, which has been triggered less than half a year after Mr Maclean secured the ward for Reform UK.
Prior to May’s result, Lake North had consistently been a Conservative seat.
The candidates standing are:
- Bob Blezzard (Liberal Democrat), Perowne Way, Sandown
- Christopher Lloyd (Labour), Victoria Avenue, Shanklin
- Robert May (Green), Victoria Road, Sandown
- Bill Nigh (Reform UK), address within an Isle of Wight Council area
- Adrian Whittaker (Conservative), Sandown Road, Shanklin
Polling will take place at the Lions Day and Community Centre on New Road, Lake (St Urians car park), with the station open from 07:00 this morning through to 22:00 tonight. Voters will be required to bring photographic ID or a Voter Authority Certificate.
At the last Lake North by-election in May, Mr Maclean won with 291 votes, ahead of Conservative Adrian Whittaker on 232. Before that, the ward had returned Tig Outlaw (Conservative) in both 2021 and 2017, with Labour’s Alan Hollands representing the seat in 2013.
Each candidate has now set out their case to local residents:
Christopher Lloyd, Labour
“The next elected representative for Lake North needs to provide committed local leadership. As your Labour candidate in this by-election, I offer data science expertise and consultancy experience to address our community’s challenges that have been exacerbated by years of Tory austerity.
Article continues below this advertisement “My priorities include expanding community facilities beyond the capacity-constrained Lions Day & Community Centre. I’ll champion improved local retail provision to reduce travel burdens on elderly residents and those without transport – supporting initiatives like the council’s £150,000 small business grants programme.”
Bill Nigh, Reform UK
“I’m standing as your Reform UK candidate for Lake North because our community deserves better. Residents are tired of rising bills, poor roads and crime going unchallenged. I will fight for safer streets with tougher action on anti-social behaviour and press for real investment to fix our broken roads and infrastructure.
“This is about restoring pride in our community and putting residents first. On polling day, vote Reform UK in Lake North for action, accountability and a fairer deal for the Isle of Wight.”
Adrian Whittaker, Conservative
“I am a long-term Island resident and have lived on the Island since 1984. I have a solid background in Lake’s affairs and issues, having been a councillor on Lake Parish Council for eight years and currently serving as vice chair of Lake Parish Council and a councillor for Lake North.
“I am clearly pleased with what I achieved, especially in terms of improving public facilities. For me it’s all about supporting local residents and businesses because I want to see Lake continue to grow and thrive, along with the rest of the Bay Area.”
Bob Blezzard, Liberal Democrat
“I have lived in The Bay for 22 years. As a retired senior local government officer my experience places me in a good position to serve the residents well. I have served as an IW councillor, parish councillor and school governor and know how to get things done. At a time of uncertainty for local government, experienced councillors are essential.
“Priorities include sorting out the dangerous Fairway/Lake Hill road junction and protecting local schools when the council revisits its school closure programme. I will be a listening councillor and will support residents when they need help dealing with the council.”
Robert May, Green
“In me, Lake residents would get a hard-working person, who is already on the parish council, who just wants to get things done.
“Fairway junction – I would work with Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council on a plan for the dangerous Fairway/Lake Hill road junction, making it work better for everyone.
“Keeping schools open – I would fight to keep our local schools open when other parties want to shut them.
“Improved transport – I would work with transport providers and the Isle of Wight Council to improve Lake’s public transport, making it work better for residents’ needs.”
Island Echo will be bringing you live coverage of the election result from Lake later tonight, shortly after polls close at 22:00.
