Candidates in the running to replace the recently-resigned David Maclean as Lake North’s new Isle of Wight councillor have set out their stalls ahead of an 2nd October 2025 poll.
The County Hall by-election, called after the Reform UK councillor resigned just months into the job, will be contested by all the UK’s major political parties.
Mr Maclean was elected at a by-election on 1st May 2025, ousting the Conservatives from the seat with 291 votes.
Tory candidate Adrian Whittaker came second with 232 votes and hopes to take back Lake North for his party next month.
The candidates
The candidates are as follows:
- Bob Blezzard (Liberal Democrat) of Perowne Way, Sandown.
- Christopher Lloyd (Labour Party) of Victoria Avenue, Shanklin.
- Robert May (The Green Party) of Victoria Road, Sandown.
- Bill Nigh (Reform UK) whose address is ‘in an Isle of Wight Council area’.
- Adrian Whittaker (The Conservative Party) of Sandown Road, Shanklin.
All the candidates were given the opportunity to tell us about themselves.
Lloyd: My priorities include expanding community facilities
Christopher Lloyd said,
“The next elected representative for Lake North needs to provide committed local leadership. As your Labour candidate in this by-election, I offer data science expertise and consultancy experience to address our community’s challenges that have been exacerbated by years of Tory austerity.
“My priorities include expanding community facilities beyond the capacity constrained Lions Day and Community Centre. I’ll champion improved local retail provision to reduce travel burdens on elderly residents and those without transport – supporting initiatives like the council’s £150,000 small business grants programme.”
Nigh: This is about restoring pride in our community and putting residents first
Bill Nigh said,
“I’m standing as your Reform UK candidate for Lake North because our community deserves better. Residents are tired of rising bills, poor roads and crime going unchallenged.
“I will fight for safer streets with tougher action on anti-social behaviour and press for real investment to fix our broken roads and infrastructure. Local people deserve services that work for them, not wasteful spending that ignores our daily needs.
“This is about restoring pride in our community and putting residents first. On polling day, vote Reform UK in Lake North for action, accountability and a fairer deal for the Isle of Wight.”
Whittaker: For me it’s all about supporting local residents and businesses
Adrian Whittaker said,
“I am a long-term Island resident and have lived on the Island since 1984. I have a solid background in Lake’s affairs and issues, having been a councillor on Lake Parish Council for eight years and currently serving as vice chair of Lake Parish Council and a councillor for Lake North.
“I am clearly pleased with what I achieved, especially in terms of improving public facilities. For me it’s all about supporting local residents and businesses because I want to see Lake continue to grow and thrive, along with the rest of the Bay Area.”
Blezzard: I will be a listening councillor
Bob Blezzard said,
“I have lived in The Bay for 22 years. As a retired senior local government officer my experience places me in a good position to serve the residents well. I have served as an IW councillor, parish councillor and school governor and know how to get things done. At a time of uncertainty for local government, experienced councillors are essential.
“Priorities include sorting out the dangerous Fairway/Lake Hill road junction and protecting local schools when the council revisits its school closure programme. I will be a listening councillor and will support residents when they need help dealing with the council.”
Robert May declined to respond by the deadline given.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
