A potentially game-changing by-election is taking place in Wootton today (Thursday) to decide who shall replace the disgraced Daryll Pitcher.
Voters in the Wootton Bridge ward are voting for who they would like to represent the area moving forward. It comes after former Isle of Wight councillor Daryll Pitcher was jailed in April for 2 counts of historic child sex abuse.
Pitcher only resigned from his position in July, which has now prompted the by-election to take place.
Voters are being invited along to Wootton Bridge Community Centre to cast their vote, with the polls open from 07:00-22:00. Photo ID, such as a driving licence, passport or bus pass, is required to vote.
A total of 4 candidates have thrown their hats in the ring and they are:
- Ed Hopper (Conservatives)
- Linda Pitcher (Vectis Party)
- Sarah Redrup (Liberal Democrat)
- Michael Smith (Green Party)
The election could prove vital after a vote of no confidence was levelled against the Isle of Wight Council’s leader, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, on Tuesday. Part of the Alliance Administration, she heads up a council of 39 seats. Her group is made up of independent and Green Party councillors, and has 13 members.
Conservatives are the largest group, holding 16 seats, and the recently created Empowering Islanders group, of former independent Alliance members and a Conservative, holds 4 seats.
Meanwhile, there are 3 Liberal Democrats, 1 Labour councillor and 1 independent Labour member.
What a joke good luck to all those retired people!
I don’t care who wins, apart from the Tory. I hope he comes last.