The newly-elected Reform UK councillors for Central Rural and Lake North have sat down with Island Echo for an exclusive joint interview after securing victory in last Friday’s local by-elections – a double win that has sent shockwaves through the local political landscape.
The pair, who have both signed their declarations at County Hall this week, have spoken about their backgrounds, ambitions, and what voters can expect from them as they begin their terms on the Isle of Wight Council.
Caroline Gladwin, who secured a landslide victory in the Central Rural ward, is no stranger to the Isle of Wight, having lived here since the age of 2. A former student of Medina High School, Caroline says she’s deeply rooted in the Island’s communities and driven by the desire to uphold both Reform’s values and traditional British values.
David Maclean, who was successfully elected in Lake North, made history as the first Reform councillor elected to the Isle of Wight Council. With decades of experience in international business across Europe, South America and Asia, he brings a wealth of life experience and a practical, global perspective.
Having now settled full-time on the Isle of Wight, David says he was drawn to public service by a desire to give back to the community and to support Reform’s policies at a local level.
From Brexit to Reform
Caroline’s political journey began with the Vote Leave campaign, where she was actively involved in pushing for Brexit. She later joined the Conservative Party, motivated by their initial commitment to a referendum. But her disillusionment over being ‘sold out’ over Brexit saw her join the Brexit Party, later transitioning into Reform UK.
David’s background, by contrast, began far from the Isle of Wight. Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to British parents, he originally set his sights on joining the RAF but ended up entering the tobacco industry, where his father also worked, and quickly built a global career. He eventually co-founded a business in Poland, but the war in Ukraine and seen his business activities slowed, giving him time to get more involved locally.
Having spent years living part-time on the Island, David and his fiancée now reside on the Isle of Wight full-time, in Newport, and hope to launch a restaurant locally.
Addressing the speculation and stigma
David’s absence during the election period, including missing the count on Friday (2nd May), sparked online speculation. He has confirmed that a family bereavement was the reason.
He has explained:
“I think my absence for the count may not have helped… it was beyond my control. Everyone that needed to be informed was informed in advance.”
Both councillors have acknowledged that Reform UK often faces criticism and public scepticism, but they firmly reject the idea that the party’s values are extreme or divisive.
David has said:
“When you absolutely analyse what the stigma is, there’s no truth behind it.
“What Nigel Farage and the party are trying to do is reclaim British values, which are extremely important. Our parents and grandparents fought in wars to protect those values, and that’s what we’re trying to do on a national level – and it filters all the way down.”
Caroline echoed his sentiment and emphasised the importance of focusing on local people and their needs.
“We just want the best for the Island and the Island’s people. And we are willing to speak up for that.”
They both insisted that Reform’s mission is to serve the public rather than political donors or corporate interests, and that they welcome open conversations with constituents to dispel misinformation.
Local Issues and Priorities
Both councillors say they are committed to being more visible and active in their respective wards.
David, who admits he’s still learning the ropes, said his first task will be getting to meet the local people and understanding their concerns.
Caroline faces a different kind of ward, made up of several rural villages and farming communities. She says:
“I’ll be listening to people and finding out what they want. Obviously, the treatment by the government over farmers is a very important issue. I’ll be doing all I can to address that.”
David has echoed the concern for rural life and tourism, stating:
“The downturn in tourism on the Island is a huge thing. Tourism for me is the only way forward to generate enough money to really bring the Island back up.”
He also raised concerns about local government spending:
“Wherever you look, there’s council waste. It’s a pretty well-known fact that if you’re a builder, you want the council contract because you get twice as much per hour as you would from a private individual. That sort of thing’s got to be exposed.”
Collaboration and the road ahead
The pair plan to work closely together and with other councillors on a case-by-case basis. As speculation swirls about possible changes in Council leadership at County Hall, which could come as soon as 21st May, they remain non-committal.
When asked if Reform might support a Conservative-led coalition, Caroline said:
“To be honest, I don’t know. We haven’t decided”.
What is clear is their confidence in Reform’s future on the Isle of Wight. Caroline has said:
“This is just the start. People have spoken and rejected all the other political parties.”
The Reform branch on the Island is also expected to grow, with Caroline – the Interim Branch Chair – confirming that more members are joining and efforts are being made to establish the Isle of Wight as a Reform stronghold.
She believes Nigel Farage will visit soon…
“He can only be in one place at one time, but I’m sure he will be here very soon.”
Message to the voters
David and Caroline are urging constituents to reach out.
David said:
“I’m here, I do exist, and I have a council email address now. I’m passionate about the Island, tourism and local businesses”.
Caroline adds:
“We want to hear from people and their concerns, and we are listening. We’re trying to represent them in the best way we possibly can.”
Both councillors stress that their immediate priority is listening to their communities, understanding key issues, and acting on them.
To contact Cllr Gladwin (Central Rural) email [email protected] and to contact Cllr Maclean (Lake North) email [email protected].
Super, and so nice to see them together.
I voted Reform and I got exactly what I asked for. I’m very happy, unlike the lot in the Wild West Wight who got joint custody of Councillor Chrisbecca Jarman-Cameron.
Go Reform, Make Britain Great Again
If you believe Reform will make Britain great
again, you are deluded.
It’s too late, the damage to the country is done
and there is no going back. I wish there was.
Travel around Britain and you will see for yourself
the Britain we once knew is sadly no longer.
At present the island is a bit like the old Britain
we once knew, but that is changing rapidly.
We still have our memories.
Conservative or tories are OK but bow to the wokies aka labour too much. Labour only took them few days to screw things up. Reform will help alot and hopefully bring normal back so the damage you mentioned was the lefties you voted for.
Reform will be controlled by the same Elite
persons who control the Conservatives and
Labour.
Bring it on, it is the beginning of the end for the tories and god awful Liars Labour, Starmer calls Reform UK far right, that is only to disguise that the so called Labour Party are far right in the way they treat the British working man / woman. Selling out to India and now brown nosing with Trump, not good at all.
It will be too late to turn things around.
The damage is already done.
Reform won’t change anything.
Let’s hope they turn out all their cracked up to be.
If so, Reform should make it to central government and that will be the critical phase, for this country badly needs reforming it’s in a terrible state. I among others are worried that Nigel Farage will not be as radical as is required to make this nation safe from all the horrible evil things still going on now.
At least now we may hold some hopeful expectation…
What people seem to forget is that whoever is in power,
they are only over paid puppets doing what their Elite bosses
instruct them to do.
Nothing will change
It’s mental that so many working class people believe a private school educated ex-stock broker, millionaire business man / free loader who proudly fiddles his expenses would represent their voice and have their best interests at heart. He wouldn’t waste his p**s on them if they were on fire.
Never trust any politician, they are like car dealers.
Resentful tory or labour voter are you. Grow up. Reform UK will win the next election. Starmer and his lies and crapping on the British worker has done them in for good now.
We’ll see who’s absent and lying now, they couldn’t care less.
Where have i heard it all before