Isle of Wight Tories set to host leadership rivals

Tory leadership candidates Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss could be on the way to the Isle of Wight in the coming weeks.

Isle of Wight Conservative Association chair David Pugh told the County Press he is in talks with them to get them over the Solent to be quizzed by members.

The leadership candidates in 2019, outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt visited the Island.

Mr Pugh told the County Press: "I am currently liaising with the leadership campaign teams, to secure a visit from both Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss to the Island over the coming weeks.

Boris Johnson on his 2019 visit to the Isle of Wight.

"This will provide an opportunity for Conservative members on the Isle of Wight to hear directly from both candidates and put questions to them, either through an event featuring them both or through separate visits."

The County Press asked Mr Pugh how he would be voting.

"Given my role in organising this, I will not be indicating my own preference in the leadership contest until after it has taken place.

"It is clear from speaking to fellow members of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association that there are strong supporters of both Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, and other members who are undecided at this stage.

"I expect many of these members may remain undecided until they have heard from them directly."

The County Press asked MP Bob Seely and Tory group leader on the Isle of Wight Council Cllr Joe Robertson for their preference.

UPDATE: Cllr Robertson told the County Press he was supporting Rishi Sunak and he thought among the Tory group on the council there wassa majority for Mr Sunak.

Last week Mr Seely said he was undecided.

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