Exploring the ups and downs of Isle of Wight's political past

Before the political reform act the Isle of Wight had three MPs that went on to become well-known and influential British Prime Ministers, namely The Duke of Wellington, Lord Palmerston and Lord Melbourne. 

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Although making their names as leaders of important British events in history, it is perhaps very doubtful that they did much for their Isle of Wight constituents, or indeed even met them — that is if they were not moneyed landowners.

During the years that followed the Isle of Wight had a number of MPs, but we will focus on the more recent representatives, starting with Mark Woodnutt, who first took office representing the Conservatives in 1959.

Steve Ross, Isle of Wight MP, with his family and Jeremy Thorpe. (Image: David White)

During his time in office, public attitudes to the old style of typically Conservative MPs were changing and a new upcoming star was on the block, the charismatic Steve Ross.

Following a couple of unsuccessful attempts eventually in 1974 he gained the seat for the Liberal Party. 

He brought in a new style of MP, friendly, approachable and with a genuine interest in working for his constituents.

The rapid fall from grace of Mark Woodnutt and the old style of MP was somewhat aided over Woodnutt’s involvement in what become known as “the Bembridge harbour scandal” — but that’s another story, which you could read about in the County Press archives.

Steve Ross proved a popular MP and worked hard for the Isle of Wight and his constituents. The Liberal Party had once again consolidated their hold on the Island.

Despite the Conservative Party fielding various candidates, such as the up-and-coming Dudley Fishburn, and later a Conservative favourite Virginia Bottomley, they did however fail in making an impression on Steve Ross’s popularity. 

During his position as MP for the Isle of Wight he became an influential and respected figure in parliament, visited on the Island by many leading MPs of the period. One such regular visitor was the then Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe.

During these years conservatism on the Isle of Wight remained in the shadows.

Steve went on, to eventually become Baron Ross following his much lamented retirement from politics in 1987.

It was then the turn of Conservatives to take back control, when their candidate Barry Field was elected. 

Two elections later, in 1997, it was the newly formed Liberal Democrats that gained power and representing them was Dr Peter Brand.

Dr Peter Brand, Isle of Wight MP, pictured here in 2001. (Image: IWCP Archive)

Peter Brand’s reign as MP however, proved brief, as Andrew Turner stormed to power for the Conservatives in 2001.

Andrew Turner did much to boost Conservative popularity on the Island, as like Steve Ross he showed himself to be an MP of the people, listening to his constituents and quietly representing them, spending time addressing their problems.

Andrew’s popularity showed in the fact that he repeatedly gained victory after victory right up until 2017.

During the years that followed, the Liberal Democrats nationally adopted a series of disastrous leaders and policies, this reflected on their popularity on the Isle of Wight, until the 2019 elections saw them completely disappear from the Island’s election scene.

In 2017, the ruling Conservative party decided that they wanted some new blood and adopted Bob Seely as MP, who went on successfully to win the following 2019 election.

To date he has also proven an able and active representative for the Isle of Wight.

While Island politics have always been an interesting affray, it has always proved that an MP will never be sure of his future, as he can be not only be ousted by a rival party sporting a popular newcomer, but also coldly eliminated by his own party.

Like reading about the Isle of Wight in bygone days?

Click here to visit our Looking Back section for more interesting tales!