Rather unexpectedly, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans has just announced that she will not be continuing as a Conservative.
She serves both on Newport council and the Isle of Wight council. She was elected as a Conservative to the council in the Newport Central ward first in 2009, then again in 2013.
Popular with her electorate
Her share of those who voted has been high (36% in 2009, 47% in 2013) of the Newport Central ward, but the ward has one of the lowest turnouts on the Island (28% and 26%, 2009 and 2013)
Her full statement is below.
At the bottom she confirms that she will be a small-i independent, not ruling Independent group.
“After a period of careful reflection I have decided to not renew my membership of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association, which expired on January 1st.
“Recent events in and outside the council chamber have crystalised my hitherto unexpressed thoughts with regard to the role of the party system in local government. I have no regrets about having been a member of the Conservative Party and council group. There will be many things that I will miss. I have made good friends, share many of the same values, have gained valuable experience and have had opportunities to develop my skills. However, at this moment in time I believe I need to be free and unconstrained in my actions as an elected representative for Newport Central. In fact, I was first elected as such in 2008 and I believe that I served my residents extremely effectively at that time. I sincerely hope that they will respect my decision to return to my roots and that they will continue to support me as a non-political voice for their issues and concerns.
“I believe that the Island faces a time when it needs the best people we’ve got in positions of influence in order to rise to the significant challenges facing us. I believe the party system does not allow for this to happen. I want to put my energy into serving the people of Newport, both in my role as Chairman of the parish council and as the local member for the IW Council. The long term economic wellbeing of the Island needs to be put foremost at this time and I will pursue this further through my involvement with various Island business organisations. I understand the importance of small business, both to the Island, and my residents. Most Island businesses are relatively small and they employ the majority of people. I and others have ideas on how they can best thrive and prosper. I believe my voice will still be heard just as loud and clear as it is now. I am very optimistic about the future.
“I will not be joining any other party or the ruling Independent group, should I be asked, but I will support those fellow councillors who pursue policies and actions that I believe deliver the right solutions, irrespective of their political affiliations.”
