A group of politically minded Islanders are to hold Isle of Wight tactical voting meetings, ahead of the next General Election.

The date for the national vote has not yet been announced, but it must take place before January 2025.

Now, a group of local residents want voters to unite behind a single candidate, with the aim of beating the Conservatives. 

Pink invitations have been sent to houses within the East Wight boundary, asking residents to consider attending “your chance to choose” meetings.

When will the next General Election be held?

  • In January, Prime Minster Rishi Sunak said it was likely to be in the "second half" of 2024, however it could be as early as May.
  • After a nationwide government review, two MPs will be elected for the Isle of Wight - in Isle of Wight West and Isle of Wight East.

Six sessions will be held and organisers say they have invited representatives from the Green party, Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Secret votes will be cast at the meetings, to get a sense of who would have the best chance at the election.

A People's Champion will be named on March 23.

Here's when and where East Wight Primary meetings will be held:

  • Monday, March 11, 7pm-9pm at YMCA Shanklin
  • Wednesday, March 13, 7pm-9pm at Ventnor Baptist Church
  • Saturday, March 16, 4pm-6pm at Ryde Methodist Church
  • Monday, March 18, 7pm-9pm at YMCA Shanklin
  • Wednesday, March 20, 7pm-9pm in Wroxall
  • Saturday, March 23, 2pm-4pm at Ryde Methodist Church 

Some candidates will be speaking at the events, organisers said, and if you are eligible to vote in Isle of Wight East, you can get tickets at eastwightprimary.org 

Those behind the East Wight Primary plan say 80 people attended 'spread the message' training sessions and 120 people took part in a recent fundraiser, amassing over £1,140 towards costs.

Co-founder Charity Garnett said the priority was to ensure a non-Conservative win, "for those of us who care about fairness, the NHS and the climate."

"We know only by working together to select the best tactical choice can we get the representation we desperately need," she said.

East Wight Primary's Mobes O’Flynn said: "There is a huge appetite to try something different.

"This new constituency offers the chance of actually getting some representation for the progressive majority."