As reported by News OnTheWight last week, Ed Hopper has been selected by the Island Conservatives as their candidate for the Wootton Bridge by-election which takes place on Thursday 24th August.
Ed lives with his family in the village and is involved in the community as a Governor at Wootton Primary School, and as a regular member of the congregation at St Mark’s Church in the village.
Hopper: I’m ready to hit the ground running
Ed says,
“I am delighted to have been selected to fight the upcoming Wootton Bridge by-election, which is taking place on August 24th. I live in the village and I have many years’ experience in local government both at a parish and a county (unitary) level.
“The local Conservative team delivered a survey to everyone in the village to ask about their concerns and priorities for the village, and I was very pleased that many hundreds of people have taken the time to respond.
“I’m ready to hit the ground running, dealing with the day-to-day issues which matter most to people in the village, from potholes to council tax and from tackling crime & anti-social behaviour to protecting and improving our green spaces.
“As a Governor at Wootton Primary, I am aware of the value that people in Wootton place on our school, and I am very concerned that the ruling Alliance Group at County Hall has got absolutely no idea how to deal with the challenges facing education across the Island. We need a councillor who can stand up for our children and not be fobbed off.
“As a member of the congregation at St Mark’s Church on Station Road, I am aware of the fantastic work that our churches and other community groups do for people across the village, young and old. I want to support those people who help to make our village a great place to live.
“I want to build on the good work which was done by former Councillor Barry Abraham, Conservative councillor for Wootton Bridge from 2001-2013 and from 2017 to 2021. Having previously served as a councillor for a number of years, I have the experience and tenacity to drive the improvements we all want to see in the village from Day 1, and on that basis I hope that voters will offer me their support on 24th August.”
Ellis: His experience of working cross-party will be of great value
Councillor Suzie Ellis, Leader of the Conservative Group on the Isle of Wight council added,
“I’m delighted that Ed is standing as the Conservative candidate for the upcoming Wootton Bridge by-election. His enthusiasm and experience would be a valuable addition to our group at County Hall.
“I am also confident that his attention to detail and experience of working cross-party will be of great value to the overall governance of the Isle of Wight council.”
