“We will be contesting all seats with the aim of taking control of County Hall next May” – those are the words of newly-elected Reform UK Councillor Bill Nigh following his victory in last night’s (Thursday) Lake North by-election.
Nigh, who is the Interim Vice-Chair of the Isle of Wight Pilot Branch, fought off competition from Adrian Whittaker (Con), Bob Blezzard (Lib Dem), Robert May (Green) and Christopher Lloyd (Lab) to take victory at the Lions Day and Community Club last night.
A total of 290 people voted for Nigh whilst his closest rival Adrian Whittaker secured 249 votes.
A total of 789 people turned out to vote, with 554 in person votes and 235 postal votes cast. The overall turnout was 20 less than the turnout back in May when some 809 votes were cast.
Nigh was successful on his 3rd attempt to join the Isle of Wight Council. He previously stood in both the Freshwater South and Wroxall, Lowtherville and Bonchurch by-elections.
Speaking to Island Echo, Cllr Nigh said:
“During the count I was on tenterhooks, this was never going to be an easy seat for Reform to win. Adrian (Whittaker) is a strong candidate, he’s popular and he’s on the parish council and I’m just the new kid on the block.
“I think that people were ready for change and that was why I got elected.”
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When asked what will be different for Reform in Lake North this time around, Cllr Nigh said:
“I will need to consult with the Parish Council and the electorate that’s for sure and we will see what they want and would like me to do.
“There is a strong underlying voice here that shows there is a change and it is only going in one direction. Long term we will be contesting all seats with the aim of taking control in May.”
Cllr Nigh visited County Hall today (Friday) to complete the relevant formalities.
To think the island could be run by Deform
( very worrying times)
Well now we know his real values and morals, he’s racist fascist and unfortunately he’s got 290 more idiot infantile followers ☹️
One vital figure missing, to asses how apathetic the electorate are. The percentage turnout of those qualified to vote at that election.
Top bloke from a historic Island family. Would have been a natural Tory, but after 14 years of lies and betrayal started by Cameron, followed by Bozo Johnson, Theresa the Appeaser and Fishy Rishy, easy to see why he is standing for Reform. Be interesting to see just how many Labour Councillors will be returned nationwide next May – if any!
Well done..may more seats follow next May for Reform….people want change
Best of luck to Reform, we need change and common sense.
Can’t helpthinking that it is unfortunate that a newly elected councillor seems to have nothing to say about represeting his constituents and improving the lives of those he is elected to represent but plenty to say about his personal political ambitions. This is exactly what is wrong with politicics today from top to bottom – it seems not to be about service but all about personal ambition and gain.
“I will need to consult with the Parish Council and the electorate that’s for sure and we will see what they want and would like me to do.”
Difficult to see how you can confuse that statement of intent with your remarks.
But then perhaps you are a supporter of “The Big Two” or worse still, Polanski and his manifesto pledge to legalise ALL drug usage.
Get used to the future, because the majority of people have had enough of Tory lies and two-tier Kier. As for Polanski- he epitomises your “personal ambition and gain”.
Sadly that applies to most positions in life.
We need politicians who represent the people of
the country, for years we have not had this.
There is a petition not to introduce digital ID’s,
nearly 3 million people have signed this petition
online and the Government reply by email is that it is
happening.
MORE PROOF THEY DON’T LISTEN TO WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT!
Let’s hope Reform reverses this mandate.
I noticed a video on You tube yesterday and it appears
the digital id app is already appearing on peoples
Apple iPhones.
Whatever happened to democracy
They all have big ideas until the reality of funding kicks in.