As many UK voters head to the polls today (Thursday), Isle of Wight residents are not among them and here's why...

While local elections are taking place elsewhere, there are no poll booths set up on the Island because ours took place in May last year. 

When fundamental changes were made to the way the Isle of Wight Council is run, it led to a voting cycle different to other parts of the country. 

Perhaps you were among those to have headed out to make your mark in the town, parish and community vote, as well as picking your Isle of Wight Council representative and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner. 

How did the Isle of Wight County Press report the 2021 elections?

Read more: 

In 2021, former Council Leader Dave Stewart lost his seat, while new faces arrived at the Isle of Wight Council, including Green councillors and former Ian Dore who unseated a Conservative in Binstead and Fishbourne, as well as Labour's Richard Quigley who beat a Cowes North Conservative.

Returning faces included former council leader Jonathan Bacon.

In the Isle of Wight's town, parish and community council elections we ran an Isle of Wight town and parish council election 2021 LIVE blog and published the Isle of Wight town and parish council final election results.

There were new faces at Bembridge Parish Council and a new political group for Ryde after big winners in town council election.

When will the Isle of Wight's next election take place?

The next major Isle of Wight Council election will take place in May 2025.

However, there are currently some vacancies in town and parish councils, which will either be filled by co-option (which means a candidate is appointed to the role after applying), or at a by-election.

A by-election will take place for Bembridge Parish Council on May 26. Two candidates, Sarah Noyes and Alasdair Steane, are standing. 

Shanklin Town Council also has a vacancy in its south ward. Nominations can be sent to the Isle of Wight Council by May 18, at 4pm.

For more information, and to see where there are spaces available on local councils, you can visit the council's website HERE.