By Isle of Wight Observer
A group of residents organising tactical voting to beat the Conservative candidate in the newly-formed East Wight parliamentary seat, has announced six ‘Town Hall Q&A’ meetings.
The East Wight Primary (EWP) team, campaigning for voters to unite behind a ‘progressive’ candidate to become the East Wight MP, invited Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat candidates to explain why the public should vote for them.
Green, Vix Lowthian and LibDem, Michael Lilley, have confirmed their attendance, but EWP’s plans were dealt a blow when Island Labour said they will not be taking part in line with the party’s national policy.
A local Labour spokesman said they had held productive talks with EWP and there were areas of shared concern. He said: “We share a desire to see democracy working on the Island, and the first and most important step towards that is to encourage people to use their vote.
“The Labour Party view is that primary elections are not part of our electoral system. Electors can be trusted to make their own choice and to pre-empt or try to guide voters with a primary election is not proper. Individual Labour members and supporters will make their own minds up whether they vote in the primary.
EWP co-founder, Charity Garnett said Labour’s decision was “very disappointing”, but stressed the invitation remained open.
“For those of us who care about fairness, the NHS and the climate, the priority is stopping the Conservatives from winning the seat. Many voters know that voting tactically is the only chance to get represented, and the primary is the fairest way of choosing the best local option. We will continue to work collaboratively with local people to get the representation we desperately need.
“Please come along to the meetings in March and let’s get together to help choose who is our best bet.”
One candidate who will not be appearing at the meetings is Reform Party candidate, Sarah Morris. She contacted the group asking to be included, but was turned down. She said: “It doesn’t seem very democratic to hold a meeting to choose the best person to vote for, without letting all candidates take part. Many of my supporters have asked if I will be there. I’m still willing to appear if they change their mind.”
Charity responded: “EWP aims to support those who want to vote tactically to prevent Conservative or ‘Conservative-Extra’ candidates dominating again. Sadly, we do not feel that including the Reform Party is in line with our goal.”
The East Wight Primary meetings will take place at:
Mon, March 11 – 7-9pm YMCA Shanklin
Wed, March 13 – 7-9pm Baptist Church, Ventnor
Sat, March 16 – 4-6pm Methodist Church, Ryde
Mon, March 18 – 7-9pm YMCA Shanklin
Wed, March 20 – 7-9pm Stenbury Hall, Wroxall
Sat, March 23 – 2-4pm Methodist Church Ryde – (young people focus)
Tickets can be booked at iow.life/ewpticket by registered voters in the East Wight constituency.