My name is Tom Bignell and I am the Reform UK candidate for the ward of Totland and Colwell.
I have been self-employed for 38 years and I know exactly how hard it is to make a good living.
I started visiting the Island when my in-laws moved here some 44 years ago and finally made it my home in 2017. In these years I have seen many changes herepubs closing and shops being empty mostly caused by bad decisions made by those who govern us and who have become less transparent as every year passes. I believe transparency must be paramount as to how our money is being spent.
On Thursday 07 May you will be casting your votes for the election of councillors to Isle of Wight Council and I would like to explain to you how I feel about moving forward.
We are very fortunate to live in this lovely part of the Island. We have some great beaches which need to be kept cleaner and not abused.
We have a very good medical centre next to a thriving sports centre and library- both of which serve as busy hubs and meeting centres. We must make sure these valuable meeting places get all the help we can give them. Furthermore, it is not acceptable that we pay for parking to go and see the family doctor.
Our roads are a disgrace with potholes costing us hard earned money to fund motoring repairs.
The IOW Council is very heavily in debt. I believe that in time this situation can be improved by prudence and identifying the root cause of the financial wastage.
I am a believer that change comes from fresh ideas. I am passionate about reforming the Isle of Wight Council for the benefit of our ward and the Island as a whole. If elected, I would ensure I am easily accessible and I will be there to listen to you, ensuring transparency in everything I do.
Finally, if it was not for the challenge put forward by Reform UK, we would not be voting at all on 7th May. All the other parties just sat back and accepted it. To me, that says a lot.
It would be an honour to have your vote, and in return I give you my commitment of fairness and transparency.