Voting percentages reveal stark reality of political engagement on the Isle of Wight

The Island has spoken, well 61.585% of the Island that is. On polling day more than 38 per cent of Islanders either chose on purpose not to vote, or couldn’t be bothered to.

The two new Isle of Wight constituencies now have elected MPs, with Labour’s Richard Quigley taking the West (which includes Newport, Cowes and East Cowes), whilst the Conservative’s Joe Robertson will represent the East (catch up with our live coverage of the count).

Richard Quigley laughing — A triumphant Richard Quigley

Historic West vote
Of those who voted in the West, Richard Quigley MP received more then 38 per cent of the vote (13,240), whilst former Isle of Wight MP, Conservative Bob Seely, attracted just over 29 per cent (10,063).

the face of defeat - bob seely awaiting the final result — Bob Seely looking totally deflated

In third place with 17 per cent of the vote was Reform’s Ian Pickering (5,834), Nick Stuart the Liberal Democrat gained just under 8 per cent of the vote (2,726), and the Green party’s Cameron Palin received just under 7 per cent of the vote (2,310 ).

Rachel Thacker the Alliance for Democracy and Freedom candidate picked up 117 votes (0.34%)

The west wight lineup of candidates for the announcement — Rachel Thacker, Nick Stuart, Bob Seely, Graham Biss (High Sheriff), Richard Quigley MP, Ian Pickering, Cameron Palin

East Wight remains Conservative
In East, Joe Robertson was well ahead in first place taking more than 30 per cent (10,427) of the vote (out of those who voted).

Joe Robertson on the platform — Joe Robertson giving his acceptance speech

He was followed by the Reform candidate, Sarah Morris, who having never stood before received more than 20 per cent of the vote (7,104).

Sarah Morris at the count — Sarah Morris during the count

Third and fourth places were closely contested between Vix Lowthion from the Green Party (6,313) and Emily Brothers from Labour (6,264) – with both receiving just under 19 per cent. The LibDem’s Michael Lilley had just over 10 per cent of the vote (3,550), whilst independent, David Groocock, received just over one per cent (420).