A new political movement officially launches on the Isle of Wight this morning (Tuesday).

Our Island brings with it a pledge to work ‘collaboratively’ in the interests of the Isle of Wight.

At the forefront of the new movement is former leader of the Isle of Wight Council Jonathan Bacon.

He said: “My previous experience of the Isle of Wight Council and working in and with a number of Parish and Town Councils has convinced me that we need to change how things are done and how things are organised.

“My hope is to facilitate a movement that will unite those who think things can and should be done better."

The group says it plans to field candidates in the May 2021 local election.

It has named Laura Laurenson, who hopes to represent Newchurch, Havenstreet and Ashey and Phil Warren, who hopes to win Ventnor and St Lawrence.

It says it now wants Islanders to come forward and join them at the polls.

Our Island supporters say they want ‘unity of purpose’ and hope to ‘take back control of our Island and guide our community.’

The official launch comes two months after the Isle of Wight County Press revealed plans were afoot for the new political party.

Read More: New group aims to shake up 'pale, male and stale' Isle of Wight politics

Our Island has now published its aims - and how it plans to move them forward.

Supporter, retired engineer Neil Blues, has lived on the Island for 35 years. He said: “It’s a great place to live apart from the Island politics. It’s time for a significant change for the betterment of all of the inhabitants.”

Also backing Our Island, Chris Locke said: “I have heard how successful this new style of local democracy has been for over five years in other UK towns so was delighted to hear that Our Island was going to seek to introduce it to the Isle of Wight. It offers a new style of local government where constituents have more say and where our councillors can truly represent us rather than being ordered to follow the party line dictated from London.”

Our Island plans to organise meetings when it is Covid-19 safe to do so and will meet people in small groups (up to 4) in the meantime.

Find out more by emailing ourislandiw@gmail.com.