In the race for seats on Ryde Town Council, a group of residents have joined forces under the banner 'Our Ryde'.

They are running for election on May 6.

The group is being headed up by the incumbent for Isle of Wight Council's Ryde Appley and Elmfield ward and Ryde Mayor, independent Councillor Michael Lilley.

  • In the Isle of Wight Council election, Cllr Lilley faces competition from Tiarnan Finney (Conservative) and Paul Hampton (Green).
  • In the parish and town council election, he is standing in the Ryde Appley and Elmfield ward, along with Paul Hampton and two other members of Our Ryde.

Independent candidate Phil Jordan is also part of the Our Ryde group.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Vectis Hall, in Ryde

  • He is standing against Michael Salmon (Green), Steve Sheridan (Conservative) and Phil Truckel (Labour) in the Ryde North West ward, hoping for a seat at County Hall.
  • In the town council race, Mr Jordan, who currently sits on Ryde Town Council, is standing along with John McLagan, Steven Sheridan and Phil Truckel.

Cllr Michael Lilley told the County Press that Our Ryde was formed in response to the 'incredible community spirit' in the town after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: "I am so proud to stand for Ryde Town Council with the eight other Our Ryde candidates"

Our Ryde says members support the Ryde Charter, agreed by Ryde Town Council in 2021, along with the purchase of Vectis Hall and Ryde Harbour, and the plans for St. Thomas’s Church.

There are also town council plans to buy Ryde Theatre.

Our Ryde says it aims to make the town council more diverse.

Phil Jordan said: “Our Ryde is a ground-breaking initiative to build upon the great work and successes we have already seen in Ryde."

Jenna Sabine, is the owner of Monkton Arts and is standing in Ryde Appley and Elmfield, for Our Ryde.

She said: "People want and deserve their opinions to be listened to and their ideas brought to fruition.

"Ryde Town councillors should be a reflection and inclusiveness of the demographic of Ryde, showing diversity and representation."

Also standing are Richard May, Joanne Park, Lisa Carter, Georgie Carter, Simon Cooke and John McLagan.