The Isle of Wight Conservatives have launched their election campaign, ahead of May 6. 

The party says its candidates will not be knocking on doors, but are happy to speak to voters in a socially distanced way.

Meanwhile, leaflets are being distributed by people taking twice weekly Covid-19 tests, in a bid to prevent heightened anxiety among older and vulnerable residents.

The Island Conservatives’ 18-point plan for the future of the Isle of Wight is grouped under six key themes:

  • Lead the Island to a safe, strong recovery from the pandemic;
  • Protect the Island’s natural beauty, whilst delivering housing for Islanders and regeneration;
  • Boost the Island’s connectivity – physically and digitally;
  • Support the future of the Island’s children and young people;
  • Improve health, wellbeing and safety for all Islanders;
  • Strong leadership to attract funding, investment and growth.
  • CLICK HERE to see the plan full

Isle of Wight County Press:

Launching the campaign, Conservative leader Cllr Dave Stewart said: "Over the past four years, we have steered the local authority – and the Island – through some challenging times, particularly over the past 12 months.

Cllr Stewart said: "When we took office in 2017, we inherited a dysfunctional council with depleted reserves.

"We have now been able to set five lawful, balanced budgets – and ensure a responsible approach is taken regarding the management of public finances.

"Looking to the future, we are focused on continuing to lead the Island to safe, strong recovery from the pandemic – and help get our local economy back on its feet.

"With 75 per cent of adult Islanders having now received the first dose of the vaccine – and Step 2 of the roadmap out of lockdown now in place – we can look forward to better times ahead.

"We are committed to serving the Isle of Wight as a whole.

"Other parties may claim to take an interest in our entire Island, but the lack of their candidates standing in a number of key locations suggests that they consider some areas less important than others.

"Labour and the Liberal Democrats are not even defending seats that they won last time.

"In contrast, the Conservatives are willing to represent every corner of the Island, as we consider that all communities – every town, village and hamlet – are equally important and should be given the opportunity to represented by us."

In all, 39 candidates are running for the Conservative party on May 6 - the most of all the parties and one for every Isle of Wight ward.

They include a dementia charity adviser, a former police officer, a care worker, baker, retired headteacher and a town mayor.

The party say it is a 'strong, diverse team', with a 60 year age range between the youngest and the eldest, and more female candidates than any other party.

Speaking in support of the campaign, the Island’s MP Bob Seely said: "I would urge all Islanders – particularly those who voted for me in the 2019 General Election – to support your local Conservative candidate in the Isle of Wight Council elections, along with Donna Jones for Police & Crime Commissioner.

"We need a strong Conservative Team on the Council, continuing to join forces with me to coherently make our case to the Conservative Government.

"Working together, we can achieve so much more — including our efforts to protect the Island’s countryside and prioritise brownfield sites to provide homes for Island families."