At the beginning of September 2022, Cllr Lisa Carter (Our Ryde) stood down to pressures of work commitments and so a by-election in Ryde Appley and Elmfield has been called for 3rd November.
Our Ryde
Our Ryde have nominated local resident, Tom Hanley, as their candidate.
In May 2021, a group of independent Ryde residents came together under the banner of Our Ryde and stood in the local elections for Ryde Town Council. They were led by Cllr Michael Lilley, Mayor of Ryde.
All the candidates won and 50 per cent of the Ryde Councillors are now Our Ryde. Our Ryde’s principal belief is that national party politics should not influence local issues, and instead should be led by listening and responding to the needs of local residents.
All senior posts within Ryde Town Council are held by Our Ryde members, including Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chairs of main Committees.
Tom Hanley
Tom Hanley is an independent candidate, passionate about Ryde and is already active in our community and a member of Our Ryde.
Our Ryde is a group of independents passionate about the development and growth of the Town for the benefit of all residents and the wider inclusivity of residents in the decision making of the Town.
In his own words Tom states,
“I am proud to be associated with Cllrs Michael Lilley and Jenna Sabine from the Ryde Appley and Elmfield Ward, along with the other Our Ryde Councillors representing the Town of Ryde and its environs.”
Areas of specific interest
Tom is the only candidate that lives in the Ward and not affiliated to any national political party. His own areas of specific interest include:
- Supporting local residents that need help through the cost-of-living crisis
- West Acre Park and other proposed developments affecting our ward
- The future of Appley Tower, the Canoe Lake, the Splash Park and Appley Park
- Developing exciting opportunities for active engagement with Ryde’s youth.
“I am proud to be chosen to represent the successful team ‘Our Ryde’ who are striving to work independently and support our residents, our businesses, our buildings, our heritage, and the many events that make Ryde a destination for all.”
Lilley: Tom is a local activist who cares passionately about Ryde
Cllr Michael Lilley (Mayor of Ryde) says,
“It was sad Lisa had to stand down as she had achieved with Our Ryde so much at Ryde Town Council that now has a more representative mix of Councillors than in the past.
“Tom is a local activist who cares passionately about Ryde and the Ward he lives in, Ryde Appley and Elmfield. Tom has worked with me and Jenna in campaigning to keep precious green space, the restoration and reopening of Appley Tower, support of St John’s Church Hall as a community hub, and making sure all local residents get help this winter.
“In the last 12 months, The Our Ryde team has managed incredible change in the Town with over £15 Million investment coming into the Town. You can see community democracy at real work visually with the Town and beaches coming alive. Tom would be a great asset to join the Our Ryde team on Ryde Town Council.”
Sabine: People want and deserve their opinions to be listened to
The key question is what has Our Ryde achieved and what does Our Ryde and Our Ryde councillors stand for.
Jenna Sabine, owner of Monkton Arts and now Deputy Mayor says,
“I am passionate that decision making at local government level becomes much more democratic. People want and deserve their opinions to be listened to and their ideas brought to fruition.
“Ryde Town Councillors should be a reflection and inclusiveness of the demographic of Ryde, showing diversity and representation.
“I am the owner of Monkton Arts, and I would like to see cultural events and exciting community things happening in the town that I live in and love. Tom will bring so much to the Our Ryde team, Ryde Town Council and Ryde Appley and Elmfield ward.”
News shared by Michael on behalf of Our Ryde. Ed
