Last weekend South Devon Primary, backed by Guardian journalist, George Monbiot, announced their People’s Champion, the Liberal Democrat, Caroline Voaden. She received 78 per cent of the vote.
The initiative, replicated on the Isle of Wight in the East Wight Primary, aimed to find the progressive prospective parliamentary candidate for the ward who voters felt was most likely to beat a Conservative candidate.
Despite the National Party advice the IW LibDems received, the South Devon party chose to continue taking part in the initiative to find a People’s Champion for their area, and triumphed.
Only one candidate willing to take part
Here on the Isle of Wight the only progressive candidate willing to take part in the East Wight Primary was Vix Lowthion from the Green Party.
The IW Liberal Democrats withdrew from the East Wight contest citing that, “the expert advice from our national compliance officers is that the significant problems relating to participation by political parties and electoral law” – something East Wight Primary say they have complied with fully. Isle of Wight LibDems have yet to provide a copy of that legal advice, as requested almost two weeks ago.
The local Labour Party also declined to be involved, firstly stating that they hadn’t selected their candidate yet, but later saying it was against National Party Policy.
A rethink about way forward
With just one candidate willing to take part in the East Wight Primary, the organisers, based on feedback of all those who registered to attend the six meetings, adapted the format and have continued ahead with their planned ‘Town Hall’ meetings.
Last week saw more than 200 attend three meetings, to share what’s important to them for the elected parliamentary candidate to focus on and help create change to.
Book your free seat
The ‘Town Hall’ meetings are now open to all, not just those registered to vote in East Wight. There are three more taking place this week.
- Monday 18th March at YMCA Shanklin 7pm-8.30pm
- Wednesday 20th March at Stenbury Hall, Wroxall 7pm-8.30pm
- Saturday 23rd March (youth focused event) at Methodist Hall, Garfield Road, Ryde, 2pm-4pm
You can also donate to the campaign to help cover the costs of printing, venue etc etc.
EWP: Local people working together is the only way we can end the electoral deadlock
East Wight Primary say,
“Please do encourage your friends and neighbours to come along and find out more, the feedback so far has been fantastic, especially people meeting like minded people, determined to work together to make something happen.
“We know that in ‘Safe’ Conservative seats that are not targets for any party, local people working together is the only way we can end the electoral deadlock.”
Visit the East Wight Primary website for more information.
