The Isle of Wight’s two youngest candidates, from opposite ends of the political spectrum, are stepping up to challenge the status quo in this week’s local elections.
As the 2026 Isle of Wight Council local elections approach, new voices are beginning to emerge. Among them are 21-year-old Ethan Cass, standing for the Green Party in Ryde West, and 20-year-old Ruby Monteath, representing Reform UK in Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch.
Their candidacies come at a time when the long-standing dominance of the Conservative, Liberal and Labour parties on the Island is being increasingly challenged, with newer and more radical parties rapidly gaining ground.
Ethan’s campaign centres on environmental sustainability, food security and community-led change, while Ruby points to patriotism, British values and local concerns such as roads, ferries and youth provision.
Ethan Luke MacKay Cass, 21, is the Green Party candidate for Ryde West.
A lifelong resident of Ryde, Ethan works as a horticulturist in commercial glasshouses on the Isle of Wight.
Ethan says:
“I have always been interested and opinionated about socioeconomics, seeking healthy debate and discussions where I can. This has grown with age.”
Article continues below this advertisement
“I decided to make a real impact, rather than continuing to wallow in disappointment and disgust with the current state of affairs.”
He adds his decision to stand has been supported by friends and family.
“My family and friends have all been very supportive of me standing in this election. It hasn’t come as much of a surprise to them.”
Ethan believes the Green Party reflects what he sees as “true patriotism”, rooted in community and environmental responsibility.
“I chose The Green Party because it stands for true patriotism – respecting our friends and neighbours, looking after our environment, and working together towards common goals that serve us all.”
He is critical of the direction taken by the UK’s main political parties.
“Reform, Conservatives, and Labour are all tied up with corruption and mismanagement. The Green Party are undoubtedly the only party fully for the people, and by the people.”
“Essentially, my ethos is to live and let live as best we can.”
Locally, Ethan points to issues including education standards, antisocial behaviour, transport accessibility, road and pavement quality, community cohesion, and waste.
Island-wide, he wants to see greater local food production, support for small businesses, improved public services and safer cycle networks, alongside maintaining UNESCO Biosphere status.
Despite his age, Ethan believes younger voices are important in decision-making.
“Despite my age, I absolutely think my life experience is valuable to a councillor position. We need all voices at that table.”
“I bring newer, and more accurate perspectives on navigating life on the Island for children and young adults.”
Ruby Monteath, 20, is Reform UK’s candidate for Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch.
Ruby is head chef and director at the White Horse Inn, Whitwell and has worked since the age of 14. She also helps on her family’s smallholding, caring for rescued animals.
She has raised money for charity through a skydive for the Wessex Cancer Trust and a wire walk for the Wildheart Trust, and recently won an Isle of Wight Radio award for Best Roast Dinner.
Although she spent much of her childhood in London, she has strong family ties to the Isle of Wight and says she would not change it “for the world”.
Ruby says her interest in politics developed in her late teens.
“A few years ago when I was 17, 18. I started looking at everything that was going on in the world.”
“I went to the Nigel Farage rally on the Isle of Wight. I then started doing my research.”
She says the reaction to her decision to stand has been encouraging.
“Both shocked and very positive. Nan and Grandad are very proud.”
Reform UK appeals to her because of its focus on national priorities and British values.
“Reform puts the country first 100%. British values are paramount.”
Addressing her age, Ruby points to her strong work ethic and life experience.
“I’ve been working since I was 14. I’ve grown up doing things. I can’t simply do nothing.”
“I don’t feel 20 and I don’t act my age.”
Locally, she highlights roadworks, youth provision and ferry links as key concerns.
“Island Roads – with all the roadworks.”
“We need youth clubs for young people to do something constructive.”
She says she would be willing to personally support community initiatives.
“I would happily donate money for this.”
Ruby also wants to see improvements to ferry connections, protection of community spaces and derelict buildings brought back into use.
“Of course, the boat connection to the mainland needs to be improved.”
“I would try to ensure that the football field in Wroxall is not built on and can be used by the community.”
“I’d like to see the derelict buildings on the Island put to good use.”
She believes the Green Party will be a strong challenger in her ward.
“From what I’ve seen, they are the main challenge. They are on the rise. I wouldn’t be surprised if they got a lot of votes.”
With traditional party loyalties shifting, will the Isle of Wight’s future lean Green – or turn towards Reform?
Shame I used to like the White Horse in Whitwell!
Reform is not my cup of tea!
I think she’s misinformed…
to be correct, it should be “Reform puts
the countrynigel farage first 100%.”A stupid comment, and demonstrably wrong.
What a sad comment
What party will tackle the speeding problem on the Island!
REMEMBER IN THE REAL WORLD “ON THE MAINLAND”
20MPH IS PLENTY!
Only in Wales and outside schools, and most people in Wales can’t wait for it to go back to normal.
It never will it is coming, it is just that the island
is still 50 years behind the mainland!
Time it reaches here the island will be like Sark
VEHICLE FREE
We are going back to the Horse and Cart days.
Just give it a rest now. You are like a stuck record, endlessly going on about numpties, fixed links, speed humps and CCTV, and parroting brainless slogans. If the police came across you doing 20mph on the Military Road you would be nicked for failing to make reasonable progress, and rightly so. Do us all a favour and move to London, which you seem to think is paradise on earth, but don’t forget your stab-proof vest.
40mph would be the perfect maximum
speed for the Military Road, all other roads 20mph
Lol
Nothing wrong with the Big Smoke, don’t
believe all the sh*t you read.
Safe as houses and the safest roads in the country.
I don’t need to read about it. I lived there for many years and still have to be there most weeks for business, so I suspect I know it rather better than you. The island has its problems, but it’s like a breath of fresh air compared to the violent, druggie infested multi-culti cesspit that London has become. Safe as houses? I hope you stand up when you talk, as you would sound muffled sitting down.
Does the green party candidate ever listen to the thing they call leader, he can’t have judging by his comments
.
Polanski or Farage are standing in the Local elections
Zack Polanski or sorry to use his real name, David Paulden, is a hopeless leader, I wouldn’t trust him to run a bath. Anyone who votes green will be wasting a vote and obviously don’t live in the real world.
The problem is Nige ain’t no better.
Neither Polanski or Farage are standing in the Local elections
Polanski is not standing in the Local elections
Good Luck Ruby let’s have some New Young People Ready to Run the Council. Reform.
Everyone mentioning leaders of national parties should remember this is a local election and people should vote for who they think will do something for their area not in Parliament
In Wroxall we have never heard of any ideas she has for the community. Nobody i know has ever seen her and never seen any comments or support when the Wroxall road was closed for months on the Wroxall community site which most of the locals read.. Mind you what difference will any of them make when 70% of the Island funding comes from central government. This means council hands are tied on whatever happens