As reported by News OnTheWight last week, East Wight Primary have now announced six dates for Town Hall Q&A meetings around the East Wight, ahead of a general election.
Every resident in the East Wight area, will this week have received a bright pink leaflet through the post highlighting the East Wight Primary’s “your chance to choose” meetings.
The six meetings have been organised by a group of residents “to work out who is the tactical choice to beat the Conservatives at the next election”.
Candidates explain why they are the best tactical choice
Candidates from the Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties have been invited to explain why they are the best tactical choice to the public. The Labour Party have said they will not be taking part, one of the reasons being because they have not yet selected a candidate.
Organisers have reiterated to News OnTheWight that the offer will remain open for all invitees up until each meeting begins.
Only those on the electoral register in East Wight will be able to attend the meetings and cast a vote. After the six meetings votes will be counted on 23rd March when the ‘People’s Champion’ will be announced.
Garnett: Progressive votes have been wasted for too long
Co-founder Charity Garnett said,
“For those of us who care about fairness, the NHS and the climate, the priority is stopping the Conservatives from winning the seat.
“We know only by working together to select the best tactical choice can we get the representation we desperately need.
“Progressive votes have been wasted for too long. Please come along to the meetings in March and let’s get together to help choose who is our best bet.”
Last week 120 people attended the fundraiser at Bar 74 in Ryde, raising £1,143 towards the costs of the project, whilst more than 80 people attended “Spread the Message” training sessions in January.
O’Flynn: Overwhelmed by the support
Mobes O’Flynn said,
“We have been overwhelmed by the support for the East Wight Primary.
“Volunteers have been out talking to people throughout the winter.
“There is a huge appetite to try something different, as this new constituency offers the chance of actually getting some representation for the progressive majority.”
Where and when
The meetings will be held on
- Mon 11th March – 7-9pm YMCA Shanklin
- Wed13th March 7-9pm Baptist Church, Ventnor
- Sat 16th March 4-6pm Methodist Church, Ryde
- Mon 18th March 7-9pm YMCA Shanklin
- Wed 20th March 7-9pm Stenbury Hall, Wroxall
- Sat 23rd March 2-4pm Methodist Church Ryde – (young people focus)
Tickets can be booked via the website.
Lowthion: It takes a level of courage and determination to participate
Vix Lowthion, the Isle of Wight East prospective parliamentary candidate for the Green Party said,
“With an unfair electoral system for Westminster elections which fails to make every vote count, the East Wight Primary is an exciting initiative and a rare opportunity to hear directly from the candidates to be our next MP. I look forward to meeting with voters and answering all of their questions.
“The organisers have worked tirelessly to get us to this point – not an easy task. I await to see if all the candidates will take part.
“It takes a level of courage and determination to participate – I hope that residents grab their tickets as soon as they can!”
Lilley: I want to see East Wight residents getting a fair dea
The Isle of Wight East prospective parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrat party, Michael Lilley, said,
“I welcome any opportunity for the needs of the new East Wight Constituency to be debated and discussed and look forward to taking part in the Q&As, and in future hustings with all the other candidates standing.
“As the Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate, I want to see East Wight residents getting a fair deal and greater equity with their mainland neighbours across the Solent such as the regulation of ferries, dentistry, health care, affordable housing, climate change protection, zero sewage releases into the sea, and jobs.”
