By Carole Dennett
As votes were counted yesterday, it became clear that Reform UK has delivered the most dramatic electoral shift in the history of the Isle of Wight Council. Mirroring the party’s success across the country, Nigel Farage’s party came within a single seat of taking outright control of the 39‑member authority. Thursday’s local elections saw the party succeed across the Island, overturning long‑held seats, unseating the Leader of the Council, and reshaping the political balance.
The most symbolic moment of the day came in Ryde North West, where former Council Leader Phil Jordan lost his seat to Reform’s Reuben Loake. Mr Jordan, who had led the authority under both the Cabinet and the new committee system, was defeated by 62 votes, a result that illustrated the scale of Reform’s success.
Biggest and smallest majorities
The largest majority anywhere on the Island was recorded in Cowes West & Gurnard, where Independent councillor Paul Fuller was re‑elected with a commanding 898‑vote lead. Cllr Fuller secured 1,173 votes, far ahead of Reform’s 275, showing that in some communities, a strong personal following will still hold sway against what seemed an unstoppable tide of teal elsewhere.
At the other end of the scale, the tightest contest of the entire election came in Shanklin Central, where Reform’s Stephen Reynolds won by a single vote. Newly elected Cllr Reynolds finished on 356, with the Conservative’s Michael Beston on 355, a margin so narrow it will doubtless be a cause of regret as the Tories review their disastrous campaign.
Reform’s advance
Reform UK won 19 seats, just one short of the 20 required for an outright majority. Their candidates finished second in 17 wards, and in five places they were within 35 votes of victory. Had even one of those seats tipped their way, the Island would now have its first Reform‑controlled council.
Their gains stretched across the map, and in many divisions Reform overturned long‑established incumbents or surged past multiple opponents in crowded fields.
Conservative vote collapses
The Conservatives endured a bruising result. Once the dominant force in Island politics, they lost 10 seats to Reform and lost Bembridge to Cllr Mark Rochell of the Liberal Democrats. In several wards they were pushed into third or even fourth place in seats they were defending. Only two Conservative councillors remain, Ed Blake and Matthew Price, and in many areas their vote was overtaken not only by Reform but also by Greens, Independents and Liberal Democrats. The party’s former strongholds all fell decisively to Reform, signalling a profound shift in the Island’s centre‑right vote. As previously reported, they failed to submit nomination papers for their candidate in Brading & St Helens, leaving Cllr Jonathan Bacon to romp home with a 400‑vote majority over his Reform opponent.
Other political parties
The Liberal Democrats still hold four seats, with Cllrs Andrew Garratt, Nick Stuart, and Michael Lilley successfully defending their records. Sarah Redrup’s seat in Wootton Bridge was lost to Cllr Tony Raffe of Reform, but they picked up Bembridge from the Tories.
The Green Party retains its two seats, with Cllr Vix Lowthian representing Carisbrooke & Gunville joining Cllr Claire Critchison after Joe Lever stood down.
Labour held on to Cowes North. Cllr Jock Rafferty has replaced MP Richard Quigley. They were disappointed not to win Pan & Barton, where they hoped Stephen Reading would replace Geoff Lumley.
Returning councillors and new faces
A significant number of familiar figures will return to County Hall. Seventeen councillors were re‑elected: Ian Dore (Ind), Jonathan Bacon (Ind), Nick Stuart (LibDem), Claire Critchison (Green), Lora Peacey‑Wilcox (Ind), Paul Fuller (Ind), Karl Love (Ind), Matthew Price (Con), Becca Cameron (Ind), Bill Nigh (Ref), Julie Jones‑Evans (Ind), Andrew Garratt (LibDem), Michael Lilley (LibDem), Karen Lucioni (Ind), Ed Blake (Con), and Mark Jefferies (Ind).
This means there are 23 new faces at County Hall – alongside new political allegiances that will shape a fresh character and culture for the new administration. Reform representatives made it clear following the count that they are very willing to work with other councillors of any political colour to get the best outcomes for the Island and Islanders.
Turnout: highs, lows and overall picture
Across the Island, 48,218 people went to the polling stations. The average turnout was 44.1 per cent, a notable rise from the 36.93 per cent recorded in 2021 and 40.92 per cent in 2017.
The highest turnout was in Brighstone, Calbourne & Shalfleet, where 55.68 per cent of electors voted. Bembridge, Chale, Niton & Whitwell and Nettlestone & Seaview also exceeded the 50 per cent mark.
The lowest turnout was in Pan & Barton, at just 26.95 per cent, the only ward where less than 30 per cent of Islanders voted.
What the new council looks like
With 19 councillors Reform UK now sits as the largest group by a wide margin, but without the single extra seat needed for overall control. The 11 Independents remain a substantial presence, including several high‑profile re‑elections. The Liberal Democrats hold four seats, the Green Party and the Conservatives two, and Labour one.
The next steps will involve the election of a new council leader and the formation of committees under the Island’s system of governance. With no party holding an absolute majority, negotiations and voting agreements are likely to shape the coming weeks. County Hall is entering a new and unpredictable chapter.
Mal Butler