Wootton Bridge residents can vote Green, Local Conservative, Vectis Party, Reform UK, independent or Liberal Democrat.
Confirmed candidates on the ballot paper are Sue Betts (The Green Party), Ed Hopper (Local Conservatives), Linda Pauline Pitcher (Vectis Party), Tony Raffe (Reform UK), Elisa Williams (independent) and Tony Zeid (Liberal Democrat).
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted candidates for photos and 100-word pitches, either directly or through parties or groups.
Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…
Sue Betts
No response, pic attached
Ed Hopper
I am standing for election because I want to make a positive contribution to Wootton and to the Isle of Wight. My family and I have lived in the village, on Kite Hill, since 2018 and I am a school governor at Wootton Primary.
I have extensive experience in local government, having served at both parish and at county level. I work constructively and collaboratively to get things done.
In my view, we need a Conservative-led council to navigate the changing face of local government, and I would be honoured to represent Wootton Bridge if elected on May 7.
Linda Pauline Pitcher
Born in Sandown, Linda has now lived in Wootton Bridge for over forty years. She is deeply involved in the local community including chairing Wootton Bridge Parish Council and being involved with campaigns such as WAGE which stopped gravel extraction at Palmers Farm and the fight to save Church Close Community Centre.
Linda is also a trustee of the St. Edmund’s Church Building Trust. Linda knows Wootton Bridge well, has a good grasp of the issues facing the village and the desire to improve things for local residents.
Tony Raffe
I am not a career politician; I am a Wootton Bridge resident who wants common-sense decisions, honest communication, and scrutiny of how our money is spent by the Isle of Wight Council.
As the councillor for Wootton Bridge, my priority would be simple: put local
people first and make sure our ward is not just talked about at election time but properly represented throughout the entire council term.
Furthermore, chaotic roadworks and poor traffic management would come under my scrutiny as well as giving attention to older residents and families who feel they are not being listened to when services are changed or withdrawn.
Elisa Williams
No response
Tony Zeid
As the Lib-Dem candidate for Wootton Bridge, I am hoping to continue and build on all of the good work that is in progress by our current Liberal Democrat councillor Sarah Redrup.
These include issues and concerns of local residents such as: parking, speeding, safe footways and the conservation of wildlife areas.
I have experience as a previous town councillor and as a planning committee member. I also have a law degree, giving me a knowledge and insight into the legal mechanisms of local and national government, which I would bring to bare in my duties.
