A total of 5 major political parties and an Independent are in a battle for the Isle of Wight Council seat of Ryde South East.
Declared contestants include Andy Clayton (Local Conservatives), Richard Eric Collins (The Green Party), Stephen Alexander Neil Double (Labour Party), Jessica Higgins (Island Independent Network), Jen Hughes (Liberal Democrat) and Chris Way (Reform UK) .
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted candidates for 100 word pitches and photos, either directly or through groups or parties.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Andy Clayton (no image supplied)
Born and raised in Ryde. Languages degree Univ of London. Career on mainland in accountancy. Served as councillor in Leicestershire.
Returned to Ryde 2024. Member Ryde Social History Group, Hampshire & IOW Butterfly Conservation. Attended 1970 IOW Festival (Jimi Hendrix). email [email protected]
Richard Eric Collins
I grew up in a very deprived area of the southeast before moving to the Island in 1999. I have been a software engineer for over 30 years and have a degree and masters with the Open University. I moved to Ryde South East two years ago. The community has been very friendly and welcoming. I can be seen most days walking my rescue dog Badger.
Stephen Alexander Neil Double
Steve Double was named in the 2024 King’s birthday honours, for services to the community in Ryde.
Steve has helped develop facilities and activities for young Islanders. He established the Operation Geranium project, and organised several arts events, working to improve the lives of people of all ages in Ryde.
Steve says: “My top priority is to make myself available and accountable to the people of Ryde South East so that, together, we can build a better, brighter and more inclusive future for local people; developing a vibrant community which works for the many and not just the few.”
Jessica Higgins
I’m standing for election for the Isle of Wight council because I believe our community deserves practical action and genuine representation.
I’m committed to safer, cleaner streets, protecting the local services we all rely on, and ensuring every resident has a real say in local decisions. I will fight rising costs, support families and schools, and back our local businesses to create jobs and growth.
This campaign isn’t about politics—it’s about people. I’m ready to listen, to work hard, and to deliver results that make a difference. Vote for me: a fresh, committed voice who will put our community first every day.
Jen Hughes
I am a passionate, tenacious and driven candidate and I will stand up and be the missing voice for the people of Ryde South East.
I live in the ward and I care deeply about people, believing every person matters!
I am also a current Ryde town councillor for Ryde South East, having been elected in May 2025. In this role I have not shied away from scrutinising and pushing for clarity, successfully challenging expenditure as a member of the finance committee.
Prior to this, I worked tirelessly behind the scenes and helped save Oakfield Primary School from closure, with no support from our current ward town or county councillors.
Chris Way (no photo supplied)
I have lived in Ryde my whole life and my family have been in Ryde for over 100 years. I’m not someone imported who has no idea of our area, I know our strengths and weaknesses and I’ve gone through hard times like many of you have or are going through now.
I stand for Reform UK and as with places that already have Reform majority councils, will aim to do better than what was there before, cutting waste and putting the whole before the few with the choices that can be made outside of government control.
