Former Isle of Wight councillor Michael Beston, who lost by just a single vote in last week’s local election, doesn’t believe it’s ‘the end of the road’ for the Conservative party.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the previous Shanklin Central representative received 355 votes, just 1 behind Reform’s Stephen Reynolds.
Mr Beston first won his local council seat in 2017, winning by 6 votes on that occasion. He was then re-elected in 2021, winning by a stronger 280 votes ahead of the Green candidate David Moorse.
However, Beston was one of several Conservative councillors who lost their seat when the results of the 2026 Isle of Wight local elections were announced last Friday.
Speaking exclusively to Island Echo, Michael recalled the tensions on count day, highlights of his tenure and the future of the party both locally and nationally.
Amidst the tension of the count, Beston told Island Echo, things were ‘on a knife-edge’, a sentiment that couldn’t have been more accurate:
“On polling day, I could see strong support across the ward and knew it would be very close between the Reform candidate and me. At the count, I said it was on a knife-edge, and it proved just how close the race was, with the result decided by a single vote even after the recount. Once it was confirmed, I accepted it with dignity,”
Michael explained that both nationally and locally, the Conservatives have to ‘rebuild trust’ and ‘set out a clear, credible plan’. Despite the recent result, he doesn’t think it’s over for the party.
He said:
“Locally, we need to listen carefully to why residents feel let down, be visible year-round in our communities, and focus on the practical issues people raise with me every day: better roads and footways, tackling litter and fly-tipping, supporting reliable local services, and protecting the character of our towns and countryside.’
“I don’t believe it’s the end of the road for the Conservatives. I’m confident we can earn people’s support again.”
When asked if he would consider running again as County Councillor for Shanklin Central, Michael said:
“Although I lost my IW County Council seat, I still remain a Shanklin Town Councillor, and my focus and commitment remains firmly on Shanklin and my residents. Should the opportunity arise, I will certainly consider re-standing as County Councillor as I have a lot to offer my local community and the residents of the Island.”
Hotelier Beston explained that being a local councillor is ‘incredibly rewarding’ and that during his time as councillor, there were many highlights including working with the Isle of Wight Council and its contractors to repair the damaged culvert under Collingwood Road, supporting South Western Railway and Island Line and challenging several inappropriate change-of-use planning applications that left many residents wondering if they would be made homeless.
Mr Beston reiterated his dedication to Shanklin, still holding his Shanklin Town Councillor role. He explained his commitment to Shanklin ‘hasn’t changed’ and that his ‘door will always be open.’
Speaking to those who voted for him throughout the years, he said:
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me, supported me, or sent encouragement during my time as County Councillor for Shanklin Central. It’s been a real honour to serve our community, and I’ve never taken your trust for granted.”
“the Conservatives have to ‘rebuild trust’ ”
They will never get that chance after 14 years of lies and lack of moral and ethical fibre, as epitomised by Bozo Johnson.
The Tories have just TWO Councillors and it will not get better than that.
When Starmer has finished with his shitshow, the Labour Party will be as dead as the Tories.
You are correct, one problem whoever takes over from
these charlatans will have the same WEF bosses.
I think JS83 is being fanciful in his prediction that the Conservative are finished. Again he/she trots out the 14 years. During that time they had to recover and rebuild the devastation left by the previous Labour government, Covid and Gulf War etc. Yes, the last few years were difficult, just imagine what the devastation will be like When Kier etc get kicked out again. Reform promises us everything, but only the Electrol ignorant believe they can deliver it. Reform’s performance at local council level hasn’t met the promised illusion. Far from it! I look forward to the time when we have sensible and constructive government again, from the Conservatives.
“they had to recover and rebuild the devastation left by the previous Labour government”
You sound exactly like the Liebore parrot who trots out the same excuse using the Tories as the bad guys.
Do you appreciate how stupid that makes both look?
The electorate have had enough.
That is why there is NO difference between the liebore Party and the Conservative Party (or what is left of it).
The 14 year “trot-out” as you call it is the truth of the matter.
If Johnson was the answer, then what the hell was the question?
Who is the most successful baby maker in the Tory Party?