For the first time in history, the Green Party will be represented on the Isle of Wight Council. On May 6, Claire Critchison and Joe Lever were elected for the counties of Chale, Niton and Shorwell, as well as for Carisbrooke and Gunville, respectively.
Located in the English Channel, the small Isle of Wight has long been governed by Conservatives, the clear winners in the 2017 election. As a ceremonial county and unitary authority, the Isle of Wight counts a representative in the English House of Commons as well as an independent council that represents the local interests of each of the counties on the Island.
In the county of Chale, Niton and Shorwell, Claire Critchison was elected by 876 votes, thereby defeating the Conservative leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Dave Stewart, who had held his seat since 2010, by 240 votes. For her colleague Joe Lever, also triumphant by about 20 votes, this victory is decisive for the green movement in the UK.
“I think the main point to take from this is that a Green vote is definitely not a wasted vote. Regarding the UK in general, we saw Green gains and successes all across England, Scotland and Wales. Our movement is growing all the time and the proof is in the pudding. When people get Green representation, they like what they see and want to elect more of us.”
Joe Lever, in an interview with Global Green News
Joe Lever mentioned the huge progress of the Green Party on the Isle of Wight, where six candidates came in second position, including Cameron Palin who was just four votes behind his conservative opponent.
Next steps for the green movement on the Isle of Wight
Environmental issues on the Isle of Wight are becoming increasingly important, and the newly elected officials are committed to getting directly involved in their community. Indeed, a priority for Lever is to address the issue of urban development on the Island. In addition, after meeting many of his fellow citizens during his campaign, he noticed a clear lack of confidence in the previous administration, particularly concerning economic matters.
In light of the Green Party’s victory in various parts of the United Kingdom, this election also means great responsibility:
“As newly elected Greens, Claire and I have a big responsibility. We’re the first Green group ever on the Isle of Wight Council. So not only do we need to deliver for our local areas but we also need to deliver for the Isle of Wight as a whole, so that people know we’re the real deal!“
– Joe Lever, in an interview with Global Green News
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