The Isle of Wight Conservative Association are set to decide on who will represent the party in June’s General Election later on today (Friday).
It was initially confirmed that Mark Fox, Bob Seely and Clare Fobes were in the running to become the Conservative’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate and potentially the Island’s next MP following the resignation of Andrew Turner – the Island’s MP for the past 16 years. However, both Mark Fox and Clare Fobes pulled out of the running on Wednesday.
Island man Joe Robertson will now go head-to-head with Bob Seely as Island Conservatives vote on their next parliamentary candidate. The decision will take place at a General Meeting in Newport at 18:30.
Cllr Bob Seely, who has represented the parishes of Brighstone, Shorwell, Rookley and Chillerton on the Isle of Wight Council, said on Wednesday:
“I have loved the Island ever since I was young and representing it in Parliament would be a wonderful honour. I am an Island man and a campaigning Councillor. I believe I can give our Island the strong voice it needs in Westminster.
“I wish the other candidates Mark and Clare well, but I am going to work 100 percent over the next few days to win the right to represent our wonderful Island. I am delighted to be receiving good support from across the Island. I want us to send a message that we are a united party going forward into the General Election.”
For the past 9 years, Bob has served as both a Soldier and Officer in the British Army. Capt. Seely has deployed on active operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. He received a Joint Commanders Commendation (JCC) for his service in Iraq in 2009, and was awarded a Military MBE in the 2016 Operational Awards and Honours List. Capt. Seely was decorated by Her Majesty the Queen, in person, at Windsor Castle earlier this year.
The other 2 Conservatives in the running are David Cameron’s former speechwriter, Clare Foges and businessman Mark Fox.
