Our Candidates

We announced our first five candidates for the May 2021 Isle of Wight Council elections on 1st February

Pauline Evans, Sandown South

For many years I worked in the health care and personal fitness leisure industry, including spending time as a Leisure Centre Manager, Personal Fitness Instructor and Occupational Therapist. In 2006 I redirected my career and became a community financial guide within a Credit Union and a Business Development Manager.

I am looking forward to working with community groups and individuals to improve our facilities, resources and the promotion of our Islands features. I intend to be all-inclusive in listening intently to residents as to what enhancements can be made to improve the quality of everyday life, I am particularly interested in being involved in encouraging women to become more confident, independent and secure in themselves.

There is no point listening to people if, after all is said and done, there is no change implemented. My paramount objective is to serve the Sandown and Island communities and articulate their wishes.

Phil Warren, Ventnor West

I have been an Island resident for 13 years. In the earlier phases of my career I was involved with industrial research and development, management information and then practising as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS diagnostic pathology service and subsequently delivering my subject specialism in higher education.

I have always been active within my local community, believing that, if able, we should all try to contribute in any way possible in order to support others. I am a committee member at Ventnor Community Shed and have recently become a volunteer with the Ventnor Enhancement Fund.

It is my considered view that the best way to achieve results and best serve the Island and our communities is through having a close working relationship with residents, local groups and businesses whereby all can contribute to debate and decision making.

Mike Hailston, Shanklin South

I have both lived and worked on this beautiful island running my own business for the last 15 years. I have seen and experienced the ineffectiveness of various councils constrained by party politics in being able to deliver what the residents of the island need and want.

I believe that listening to the needs of our islanders and putting the island as the number one priority in all initiatives and decisions is paramount to the success and prosperity of our island going forward. I believe we can achieve a better outcome with councillors willing to work together to progress and develop the prosperity of our island for the future. If we channel the community spirit shown in the recent pandemic into the way we govern our island we can achieve so much more.

Jonathan Bacon, Brading and St Helens

Drawing on my past experiences as a Councillor at County and Parish level, I want to pursue changes to the current system which currently discourages many able people from getting involved in local politics. I also want to help develop a closer relationship between residents, parish and town councils and the Isle of Wight Council. The current pandemic has shown that developing localism, whereby volunteers and village town based organisations are empowered, allows such bodies to act efficiently and responsively for their communities. Greater powers should also be given to allow such bodies to play a part in decisions that affect them, in particular in relation to planning.

Alasdair Steane, Bembridge

I am an Islander, raised in Bembridge where I live. A former Bembridge Parish Councillor I am passionate about the village, its businesses, and local community groups and organisations.

I was a career Civil Servant before taking early retirement where I worked in business and strategic planning, policy development, consultancy, community regeneration and development, and grant funding. I have a Master’s Degree in Public Service Management, and am a qualified project management practitioner.
I worked for the Department of Communities and Local Government assisting Local Authorities and Government Depts to improve service delivery.

I believe the best management of public services is based on sound communication, and upon consultation and engagement with all those individuals and groups affected by the decisions to be taken, which has been lacking here in recent years. I pledge to work hard to ensure that all Parish and Town Councils, local businesses, and community organisations are fully integrated into the plans, strategies, and processes required for a vibrant and forward-thinkng Island."