After being elected by a 248 vote margin last summer, Mark Jefferies is standing for re-election alongside Reform UK, Tory and Green candidates.
Those challenging the independent incumbent, who has sat with the Alliance group at County
Hall, include David Groocock of the Local Conservatives, Jonathan Howard Idle from the Green Party and Reform UK’s Ruby Monteath.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) sought 100-word pitches and photos from candidates, either directly or through parties or groups.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
David Groocock
Owns a business in Ventnor for 37 years, has got involved in anything tourism related. Chaired Ventnor Hoteliers Association until it became part of Isle of Wight Chamber as a branch member. Chaired Isle of Wight Tourist Industry Association for 10 years. Vice President of Isle of Wight Chamber, then president for three years.
A founder member of Visit Isle of Wight and board member for three years. Worked alongside a group who have a scheme to protect Bonchurch to St Lawrence from further major landslips, support their endeavours for a series of bore holes to extract deep aqua water to avoid further slips and using the water a precious commodity.
Jonathan Howard Idle
I have lived in Ventnor for nearly 15 years. I have been a youth worker and full-time parent, and now my children have grown up I work with over-16s leaving care.
I have supported the Green Party and the wider environmental movement for many years and believe that the Greens have a more realistic solution to local and national issues than the other parties – not just on environmental matters.
When not working, I love to run in the hills above Ventnor, as well as play football and go kayaking, and you might sometimes see me on stage with one of the local theatre groups, usually near the back.
Mark Jefferies
I am very honoured to have been able to represent residents over the last ten months. There have been many challenges to overcome – by far the biggest is the road resurfacing in Wroxall and embankment works.
If re-elected I will not make any false promises, but I will continue to make strong representations for residents and do my very best to deliver on all issues.
Ruby Monteath (no photo supplied)
I’m standing as a candidate for this ward because I care deeply about our communities and the future of the Isle of Wight.
I’m 20, and I’ve grown up here. I understand the pride people feel in our ward and the challenges many of us face every day.
Too often, it feels like decisions are made without young people and working people in mind. Whether it’s opportunities, housing, jobs, or the long-term future of the Island, too many people are left wondering where they fit in.
I’m standing because I believe this ward deserves somebody understanding of those concerns and is ready to speak up for those too often overlooked.
