Earlier this morning the official count for Isle of Wight council election began. Starting with ballots papers being verified, then counted, the results are expected to be coming out over the next few hours.
With Covid restrictions in place, things have taken place differently this year. It was thought that perhaps more people would have chosen to use postal votes, but council officials say there has not been a significant increase in postal votes — a total of 18,250 people are registered for postal votes and as of 3.30pm on Tuesday (7th May) 10,835 had been processed.
Updates
See below for updates as things start to hot up at the count.
5pm – Votes for 39 wards could be recounted as misplaced papers found in postal ballots
After several hours of sorting and verifying the official count started this afternoon, but then misplaced papers were found.
6pm – Conservative leader, Dave Stewart, thinks he’s lost his IWC seat to his Green opponent
Dave Stewart, who has been Isle of Wight council’s leader since they gained power in 2017, has said he thinks he’s lost his seat. His opponent, Claire Critchison, also stood for the ward in 2017 when she attracted 313 votes.
6.30pm – Turnout down
The official turnout has been confirmed by the Isle of Wight Council’s returning officer. Down on the previous 2017 authority election, the turnout is 36.93 per cent.
6.50pm – 2017 results
If you’re keen to see the voting from four years ago, see our breakdown of all results.
7.25pm
LDR Louise Hill reports: The final box has been counted but ward areas have had discrepancies identified and are being rechecked— Fairlee and Whippingham and East Cowes, Cowes Medina and Lake North. All other wards appear to be in order and results are expected shortly.
7.40pm
Results are coming in now from the LDR – refresh the page to see updates on table below.
9.20pm
LDR: With one to go … 17 Cons, 1 Lab, 1 Lib Dem, 2 Island Independent Network, 1 Vectis Party, 1 Our Island, 2 Green, 13 Independents! No one can hold a majority for the Isle of Wight Council.
Results as they come in
Below you’ll find a searchable table with all the candidates named. As the results come in, we’ll be updating the table so you’ll be able to see how many votes candidates in your area gained and who won the seat.
Article edit
6.30pm – Publishing time changed from 12.45 to 6pm in order to pin article to top of site
Image: © Local Democracy Reporter Louise Hill
