Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats have selected Michael Lilley and Nick Stuart as their prospective parliamentary candidates for the next General Election. Nick will stand for election in Isle of Wight West, whilst Michael will stand to represent those in the Isle of Wight East constituency. The Island’s MP has traditionally been Liberal/Lib Dem when not Conservative; the last Isle of Wight Liberal Democrat MP being Peter Brand between 1997 and 2001. This year is the 50th anniversary of Liberal Stephen Ross first being elected as MP in 1974, who served the Island as Liberal MP for 13 years until retiring in 1987. A General Election is expected to be held in the latter half of this year. Commenting on his selection, Councillor Michael Lilley has said:
“I am honoured to be selected by the Liberal Democrats especially as it is the anniversary of the incredible win by Steve Ross which I witnessed as a schoolboy on the Island in 1974. I met Steve and I know he would have been horrified at this Conservative government which needs to be defeated. “Like Steve I am an established IW Councillor and have a track record including 4 years as Mayor of Ryde, the largest residential town. I live in East Wight and I passionately love this beautiful part of the Island from Wootton Creek to Ventnor. I love its people, nature, beaches and spirit. I firmly believe we can replicate Steve Ross’s great victory.”
Councillor Nick Stuart has said:
“It’s a great honour to have been selected and to have the chance to follow in the footsteps of former MPs Steve Ross and Peter Brand in putting forward a liberal alternative to a Conservative government that has failed the Island. “Since winning my council seat from the Conservatives in a by-election just fourteen months ago, I have tackled many issues as a ward councillor that also affect residents across West Wight such as supporting flood-hit local residents, fighting unsuitable developments, and campaigning to save the Military Road. And I look forward to continuing to campaign for affordable housing for Islanders, sustainable economic development and jobs, and Island legislation that gives us the powers to fix Island problems.”
