By Isle of Wight Observer
Wednesday saw Richard Quigley, the new Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, deliver his Maiden Speech in Parliament. The conventions include that new MPs praise their constituencies and their predecessors.
After claiming IW West is the best constituency in the country, Mr Quigley praised Paralympic rowing silver medallist, Annie Caddick. Mr Quigley paid tribute to Bob Seely’s 7 years of service, adding: “His interest in all things Chinese and Russian is legendary on the Island.”
Sharing personal anecdotes, he talked about his family’s background in public service, with his parents being Conservative councillors, but added his granddad, Dennis, a lifelong Labour supporter, would be “very proud” to see him on the Labour benches. He celebrated the Island’s “fantastic produce” and its history of innovation and unique achievements, from early scientific discoveries to modern industries like wind turbine blade manufacturing and the hovercraft.
He emphasised the Island’s strong sense of community and its residents, citing arts organisations, local events, volunteer efforts and charities. To laughter from all sides, he claimed to be the first ever MP to own a chip shop, promising other MPs “free pickled eggs” when they visit.
Turning to more serious issues, Mr Quigley outlined the challenges faced by Island residents, including poor access to healthcare, education, and housing. He then stressed the high costs and unreliability of ferry travel, pledging to bring the topic up at every opportunity, pointing out that Mr Seely had only mentioned the ferries 23 times in seven years and promising to do better.
He thanked his supporters and agent, Phil Attfield, for their commitment, and his wife Leah, his children and grandchildren for “putting up with me”.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with Joe Robertson, IW East MP, to champion the interests of the Isle of Wight, and expressed his pride in supporting a Labour Government dedicated to service and playing his part in building a better future for the Isle of Wight and the country.
Quigley votes to axe Winter Fuel Payment
On Tuesday evening, Mr Quigley voted with the government to support the controversial and unpopular axing of the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners who do not receive Pension Credit. He explained: “I stood on a platform of finding a solution to the ferry problems, all Islanders having their own front door, improving education, NHS dentistry and GP access and removing barriers to opportunity.
“The Conservatives made a much bigger mess of the country’s finances than we thought. I am committed to ending poverty in all its forms, but I can only do that as part of the government in power. The Winter Fuel Allowance, paid automatically to millionaires, needs a better solution.
“Pensions will increase way in excess of the winter fuel allowance because of the triple lock, and the pension needs to carry on increasing at that rate.
“I am fighting for a future for all those who told me they were worried about their own situation, and that of their children and grandchildren. What seems like a step backwards now means we will be able to sprint forward when we have cleared up the mess left by the previous government.”
