Today at midday, Friday 5th April, brings the deadline for those residents who wish to put themselves forward for the 2013 Isle of Wight local elections. Here’s where OnTheWight sees the picture for far, in advance of the official release of information at 12 today.
As the nomination lists have been arriving at OnTheWight, so has anticipation for what is looking likely to be a very interesting election. See the Isle of Wight Council election candidate list 2013.
UK Independence Party – UKIP
UKIP are fielding a whopping 28 candidates with some very interesting choices.
Those who followed the 2010 General Elections will remember that Mike Tarrant (Brading, St Helens & Bembridge) stood as UKIP for the MP’s seat.
Paul St John Martin, who is standing in Godshill & Wroxall, also ran in the 2010 MP election, standing under The Middle England Party flag at that time.
Island Independents
The Island Independents tell OnTheWight that there has been large increase of those wishing to stand under the banner of the Island Independents.
20 names have been made public so far and the group intend to provide a finalised list of candidates running under the banner of the Island Independents by Tuesday next week.
Labour
The Isle of Wight Labour Party have a very healthy coverage with 19 candidates standing across the Island.
We see the return of Cllr Geoff Lumley (Newport East), the current lone Labour county councillor, along with former county councillor Deborah Gardiner (Ryde South).
Regulars in the public gallery at full council meetings, Stewart Blackmore (Ventnor West) and Adrian Nicholas (Newport Central) have joined the lineup.
Conservatives
It’s hardly surprising that the Isle of Wight Conservatives have a full house standing – the way that they run their elections is well-recognised as being strong.
Forty candidates were named on 22nd March, with many new additions, as current councillors stand down.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats have six candidates nominated, including two current councillors, Cllr Reg Barry (Nettlestone & Seaview) and Cllr Dave Knowles (Ryde East).
Live updates of candidate list
The full list of candidates announced to OnTheWight so far can be seen on the Isle of Wight Council election candidate list 2013
