Ryde East residents went to the polls last week to elect a new councillor.
The two candidates standing were Michael Liley (Green Party) and Jim Moody (Grassroots and Cuts).
The seat was won by Michael Lilley with 312 votes. Jim Moody received 183 votes.
The turn out was 17.9%.
Michael told OnTheWight,
“I am delighted to win in Ryde-East, my home Ward. I openly campaigned as a Green Party candidate so local residents could have a Green choice. I wish to thank everyone who voted for me and those who did not. I will represent the whole ward and work with other Ward Councillors in listening to the voices in the community and their needs.
“I will run monthly surgeries, organise local meetings on key issues, produce a quarterly Ward newsletter, and represent Ryde East in key forums which will make a difference for them.
“Key issues identified on the doorstep and talking in the community are protecting local farmland for local food production and the health of our environment, making important services accessible to all, enabling the poorest in our community access to the support they need to fulfil their potential, improving local roads and transport infrastructure, fuel poverty, creating local sustainable jobs, and improving opportunities for the young and older members of our community equally.
“I have to do as much as I can within the context of Ryde Town Council and I am looking forward to bringing my lived experience and Green perspective to the Town Hall in a place I have loved since a child.
“I wish to thank the dedicated team of supporters and Green Party members who made it possible for me to run a successful campaign and Vix Lowthon, leader of IW Greens, who has shown that a Green dream for the Island has strong support, is sustainable and achievable. Ryde East is the start locally of emerging Green dots across the Island.
“I also wish to mention a real local Green hero, Bob Keats who has tirelessly worked for years waving the Green flag and enabled Vix to achieve 9000 votes last May and the platform for me to win in Ryde East. Thank you, Bob.”
