A traditionally Conservative seat in Bembridge is set for a closely fought contest next month, with candidates from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK all vying for the Isle of Wight Council ward.
The ward, centred on Bembridge at the Island’s eastern tip, is a coastal community known for its harbour, older population and strong local engagement – factors that have historically favoured Conservative candidates.
That trend was evident in the last Isle of Wight Council election in 2021, when Joe Robertson secured the seat for the Conservatives with 921 votes, comfortably ahead of his nearest challenger on 440. His subsequent election to Parliament has left the division without an incumbent, opening the door to a more competitive contest this time.
While Bembridge has typically leaned Conservative, the absence of a sitting councillor and the presence of Reform UK in the race introduces uncertainty, particularly given the potential for overlap in the centre-right vote. Local issues rather than national politics are expected to dominate, with housing development, sewage infrastructure and pressure on services repeatedly raised during the campaign.
Mark Rochell is standing for the Liberal Democrats, drawing on 4 years as Clerk to Bembridge Parish Council. He has made the proposed development of 186 homes his central issue, warning that such expansion risks placing unsustainable strain on roads, healthcare and drainage systems.
He is already engaging with Southern Water over planned improvements to the sewage network and the controversial works at The Point to extend the Combined Sewer Overflow pipe. While investment plans exist, Mark argues that delivery is critical, saying it is essential that improvements materialise rather than remain “numbers on a page.”
Although standing as a Liberal Democrat, he says local elections should be about the best candidate rather than party politics, but maintains that standing under any other banner would be dishonest given his long-standing support for the party. He points to his involvement in village events and coordination with organisations such as Island Roads and Captiva Homes, as well as the parish council’s recent Gold Award, as evidence of his ability to deliver locally. He also brings a less typical background, having previously worked as Finance Director for the company behind The Great British Bake Off – although he jokes that baking itself is not his strong point.
Mark told Island Echo:
“Whilst national issues impact local politics, I don’t believe that it should dictate people’s voting decisions at the local level. It doesn’t matter what you think of Kier Starmer or Nigel Farage, neither of them are going to be working for you on the Isle of Wight Council come Friday 8th May. So, choose the local candidate that you believe will do the best job for you and your community.”
Rowena Crichton-Stuart, known as ‘Roxy’, is standing for Reform UK and brings a different background, having spent more than 20 years in the music industry as a publicist working with acts including Queen, David Bowie and Whitney Houston.
Now an artist, she has lived in Bembridge for over 12 years and describes herself as fortunate to live in what she calls an idyllic village. She identifies roads, potholes, sewage and NHS access as the key concerns for residents, particularly with further housing development planned. She also believes the Island’s infrastructure has not kept pace with demand and says stronger advocacy is needed to ensure Bembridge is not overlooked.
A lifelong Conservative voter, she says she chose Reform UK out of frustration with what she describes as a “catalogue of failure” at national level, adding that she felt there was no alternative. However, she believes local elections are driven by issues on people’s doorsteps and that the Isle of Wight faces distinct challenges compared to the mainland.
Rowena told Island Echo:
“I turned to Reform because there was no one else. Having, been a Tory voter all my life, I just felt despair. Both the Tories and Labour are responsible for leaving the country in the state it is in today.”
She describes her opponents as “nice gentlemen” but presents herself as a straight-talking candidate with passion and experience, saying voters should have faith in her judgement and willingness to stand up for what she believes is right.
Warren Drew is the Conservative candidate, currently a councillor for Ryde South East and now standing in Bembridge following his move to the village. He enters the race aiming to retain the seat for the Conservatives but acknowledges it will not be a straightforward contest.
Warren told Island Echo:
“This ward is not a safe easy win. People take politics seriously here. I’m taking nothing for granted.”
Drew identifies sewerage and flooding as key concerns and advocates a “carrot and stick” approach in dealings with Southern Water to ensure improvements are delivered. He also raises concerns about the future of education provision locally, including the long-term position of the primary school, and says protecting key services will be vital as the village grows.
Road closures and communication are another focus. He questions how situations have arisen where multiple routes have been closed at the same time and stresses the need for better coordination and clearer engagement with residents, noting previous efforts by Joe Robertson to manage disruption more effectively.
Drawing on his experience in Ryde South East, Drew highlights his work on antisocial behaviour, debt and adult social care, arguing that while Bembridge has a strong community spirit, it is not without its challenges and includes pockets of deprivation.
With the Conservative vote under pressure and both challengers gaining ground, Bembridge could prove one of the Island’s closest contests on 7th May.
Funny Conservative votes jumps ship to Reform
from what I read on a daily basis so many Conservative
MPs have gone over to Reform
One of the biggest issues in the not to distant future is the state of the roads in Bembridge. Mill road and High street are quite fankly a joke and I am glad I travel in a car and not on two wheels. Stayne Road was two years ago in very good condition but since house building and digging up for utilitys , the surface has suffered from sub standered repairs. Walls road is a disgrace. As from this month we have buses that used to whiegh 8 tons now more like 15 trasferring .
Its only a matter of time. Southern Vecits say its cleen energy BUT who pays the cost ??????????????????
And the buses have no passengers on them
single decker buses are needed NOT double decker buses
Reform UK. THE only way to take a stand against the 2 useless, puppet parties. 2 cheeks of the same ar*e
Another Deformer, what a surprise is in store for the
Numpty brigade when the next election comes along.
Nige don’t even know where Clacton is!
I cannot stop laughing at uneducated numpties
betting than watching a stand up comedian
In as much as it is possible to understand what you are saying (I know grammar isn’t something you care much about), it is simply infantile to say that ‘Nige doesn’t know where Clacton is. Not clever, you Numpty.
Not just the Island, but the whole of the UK is crying out for MP’s with real principles and priorities.
There isn’t many of them out there.
Andrew Bridgen was a good one.