News OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Stewart Blackmore, Ventnor. Ed
I am prompted to write this letter after reading that the current Chancellor of the Exchequer (Jeremy Hunt – current majority 8817) is planning to resign before the next General Election because he fears that, if he stays on (and he has been selected for the new seat of Godalming and Ash), he will be swept away in a ‘Portillo’ moment – something he desperately wants to avoid.
There are several reasons to believe that the Isle of Wight will elect at least one Labour member of parliament at the next general election, defeating the Tory incumbent Bob Seely. Here are some of them:
- The Isle of Wight has a history of voting for different parties, not just the Conservatives. In the past, it has elected Liberal, Liberal Democrat, and Independent MPs, as well as Labour candidates in local elections. This shows that the Islanders are open to change and no longer loyal to any one party.
- The Tory government has been plagued by scandals and sleaze, which have damaged its reputation and credibility. From the Partygate affair that forced Boris Johnson to resign as prime minister and MP, to the sexual misconduct allegations against several Tory MPs, to the Wallpapergate saga that exposed Johnson’s lavish spending on his Downing Street flat, the Conservatives have shown themselves to be out of touch, dishonest, and corrupt. Many voters may be disillusioned with the Tories and look for an alternative.
- The Labour Party has a clear and ambitious vision for the country, which appeals to many voters who want a fairer and greener society. Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, Labour has announced policies such as zero carbon energy by 2030, investing in the NHS and education, reversing Tory tax cuts for the rich, and tackling climate change by legislating to
reduce emissions. Labour has also shown itself to be competent and responsible in holding the government to account and offering constructive criticism and solutions. - The Isle of Wight is facing many challenges that Labour can address, such as poverty, unemployment, housing, transport, and health. According to the latest statistics, the Island has a higher than average rate of child poverty (28.6% compared to 22.4% nationally), a lower than average rate of employment (69.8% compared to 75.1% nationally), a shortage of affordable housing (with average house prices being ten times higher than average incomes), poor transport links (with ferry fares being among the most expensive in the world which Labour will commit to regulating. Island ferry services are currently cash-cows for their foreign owners), and an underfunded and overstretched health service (with
long waiting times and staff shortages). Labour has pledged to tackle these issues by investing in public services, creating jobs, building new homes, making renting fairer, and improving transport infrastructure.
These are some of the compelling arguments that suggest that the Isle of Wight will elect at least one Labour MP at the next general election, defeating the Tory incumbent. The Islanders deserve better than a Conservative government that has let them down time and time again. They deserve a Labour government that will work for them and deliver real change.
