NETTLESTONE AND SEAVIEW VOTERS TO CHOOSE FROM 4 CANDIDATES

A Local Conservative, Independent, Reform UK and The Green Party are on the ballot paper in the Nettlestone and Seaview Isle of Wight Council ward.

Voters in the area have the choice of Mouli Akundi (Local Conservatives), Jules Hayward (Independent), Jennifer Holmes (Reform UK) and Janet Mace (The Green Party) at the May 7 local elections.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked candidates for 100-word pitches and photos, either directly or through parties or groups.

Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…

Dr Mouli Akundi

Throughout the last 23 years living on the Isle of Wight I have served the community as a dedicated local GP. I have worked extensively across Seaview, Nettlestone and Brading, and I currently support local practices including Tower House Surgery, St Helens Surgery and Medina Surgery. I also spent many years working at St Mary’s Hospital.

With deep roots in the community and frontline NHS experience, I understand the pressures facing local services and Island residents. If elected to the Isle of Wight Council, I aim to secure the council’s finances, improve adult social care, tackle sewage spills affecting our coastline, and protect local primary schools for future generations.

Jules Hayward

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I’m Jules Hayward, an independent candidate for Nettlestone and Seaview. A third-generation Islander, I was raised on Seaview High Street and now live locally with my family.

My children attend Nettlestone Primary, and I currently serve on the parish council. As an independent, I’m not tied to party politics and will focus on listening, bringing people together and acting on local priorities.

These include supporting businesses and community groups, improving ferry services, addressing flooding concerns and protecting our natural environment with energy and commitment. I care deeply about protecting what makes our community special for all generations.

Jennifer Holmes

I moved to Seaview from Oxfordshire with my husband four years ago. I have been coming to Seaview for holidays since childhood and wanted to give my grandchildren the same memories of a safe and stimulating environment in which to grow up.

I have worked for an international humanitarian organisation much of my life, developing procedures to manage large government funded programmes and subsequently conduct audits of correct procedure, application and financial management of these contracts in challenging environments. I feel these skills will contribute greatly to resolving issues at County Hall and helping the residents of Seaview and Nettlestone.

Janet Mace

I have lived on the Island for five years and I am a retired IT worker. I volunteer with a number of Island organisations, including at the Isle of Wight food bank and also the Friends of the Animals.

My main priorities are truly affordable housing on secure tenancies, and better access to support for SEND pupils. Parents shouldn’t have to fight to get the support their children need.

Find out who your local councillor is, how and where to vote and the results of previous elections at www.isleofwight.vote - the Island's new hub for all things related to Local and General Elections, brought to you by Island Echo.