Four shortlisted candidates are in the running to become the Conservative Party's parliamentary candidate hoping to get elected as the Isle of Wight's second MP.
At the next general election, which must take place before January 2025, the Isle of Wight is expected to be split into two. It is part of a national plan to make constituencies more even and a final decision on what that will look like here is due at Westminster, before July 1.
The Conservatives on the Island are in the process of selecting the person who would represent them in an area due become known as Isle of Wight East.
Scroll down to meet the people in the running - a final decision is due at the weekend...
Louise Brice
A former Kent councillor, part of Louise Brice's childhood was split between the Isle of Wight, in Alverstone Garden Village and Southampton.
The former Newchurch Primary School pupil's dad was a Southampton city councillor.
Later, she lived in Headcorn in Kent and attended Maidstone Girls' Grammar School.
Since 2012, Louise has lived in Staplehurst, Kent with her family.
Between 2015 and 2019 and between 2019 and May 2023, she was a councillor on Maidstone Borough Council.
According to the Conservative Party's website, Louise worked for nearly 20 years in the global research industry.
She is now a primary school teacher, specialising in science and STEM.
A national officer for the Conservative Women's Organisation, she is head of policy for the Conservative Education Society.
Louise has previously spoken out on air quality, called for a ban on laughing gas capsules and spoken to South East Water about better management of resources.
She has supported the White Ribbon campaign, which raises awareness of domestic abuse.
According to her Facebook page, she has been involved in Maidstone's Business Improvement District.
In December, she wrote that one of her proudest achievements was to help save Maidstone's Hazlitt Theatre.
Harriet Hadfield
Parish councillor for Nettlestone and Seaview, Harriet Hadfield is a former TV news broadcaster, who has worked with the BBC and Sky News.
After buying her grandparents' house, in 2020 she returned to Seaview.
Harriet has two children, two stepchildren and a partner Chris Jelf, who is a gallery owner and photographer.
Harriet publishes a weekly email newsletter called 5-Stories and hosts the Island Stories podcast series.
In December, Harriet told the County Press: "Ultimately it’ll be up to the party members.
"I hope to have the chance to highlight my record: fighting for better ferry provision; volunteering to support young families as a trustee of HomeStart UK and battling sewage problems."
In a YouTube video Harriet said public service has always been a part of her and she credited both her community and work with two members of Parliament for inspiring her to run.
On Facebook, she wrote: "I want to regenerate parts of Isle of Wight East; uplift our schools and upskill our young people; focus on crime in Ryde and beyond; and put forward a plan to integrate the NHS and adult social care.
"If I was lucky enough to be selected, and then elected by the voters of Isle of Wight East, I would dedicate my life to serving them - and campaigning for the future of this beautiful Island."
Cllr Joe Robertson
Since November 2021, Cllr Joe Robertson has led the Isle of Wight Council's Conservative Group.
He also sits as chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.
In 2019's general election, he represented Erith and Thamesmead in south London, finishing second to Labour, but gaining four percentage points.
Joe grew up in St Helens, where he still lives with his wife and children and he went to school in Ryde.
A former family solicitor and president of the Hampshire Law Society, Cllr Robertson is an in-house adviser to a national dementia charity.
He has previously been a governor for Arreton and Oakfield primary schools.
In recent months, Cllr Roberston secured a grant from the police and crime commissioner to help reduce anti-social behaviour in Ryde.
Publicly endorsed by Wayne Whittle, Chris Quirk and Lady Grylls, he has also been pictured with the government's Home Secretary, Suella Braverman.
Earlier this year, Cllr Robertson said: "It is a huge honour to represent residents and to campaign about the things that matter most to Islanders, like affordable housing, local NHS funding and regeneration of our towns.
"It would be an even greater honour to have the opportunity to champion the East Wight in Parliament."
Mr Whittle said: "Joe knows what makes the East Wight tick.
"He would be a serious and hardworking MP, speaking up for residents and local businesses."
Ian Wellby
Conservative campaigner, trustee for countryside charity, CPRE, and financial investor, Ian Wellby lives in Whitwell, with his wife and two children.
Ian first worked for Andrew Turner’s campaigns as a teenager.
He sits on the Executive of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association.
Ian has campaigned on a range of issues including protecting the Island from overdevelopment, improving ferry services and on information given to parents on transgender issues.
Earlier this year, Ian Wellby said: "I’m a committed Conservative, with the conviction, intellect and thick-skin required to be an effective champion for the Conservative principals I passionately belief in.
"I campaigned for Brexit. I’ve been honest in linking the housing crisis with the repeated failure to lower net immigration. I’ve fought against attacks by hyper-liberal activists intent on eroding so many aspects of our national culture."
The couple host regular events, including a Big Coronation Fundraising Lunch, which raised over £1,0000 for The Prince’s Trust and included a 21-gun salute, using original Edwardian cannon.
Read more:
- IW parents "kept in the dark" over school transgender policies claims Tory campaigner
- Isle of Wight Solent travel could be looked at in Whitehall
- Isle of Wight housing target changes welcomed by CPRE trustee
Listed as a director of Woden Investments Limited, the former president of the Oxford University Conservative Association (Hilary term, 2006-7) is a former Yarmouth Primary Node Hill Middle and Carisbrooke High School pupil.
He used to work for Goldman Sachs and is currently at an asset management firm.
- In Isle of Wight West, sitting Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, plans to represent the Conservative Party.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel