Local businessman and fisherman Ed Blake has won the Ventnor & St Lawrence byelection, retaining it for the Conservatives. A vacancy was created when former Conservative Councillor Gary Peace stood down in November. Ed’s victory means the political balance at County Hall remains the same.
Ed’s campaign focused on local issues affecting the town, including promoting local businesses, tackling anti-social behaviour and securing local roads for the future. His background is firmly embedded in the Ventnor community, with his family resident on the Island since 1830. Ed works as a commercial fisherman out of Ventnor within the family business. In his spare time, Ed plays rugby for Ventnor RFC. He was made Chairman of the club in 2017, and has overseen the merger with Ventnor FC and Ventnor YFC.
Ed said, “I am delighted and honoured that fellow residents have put their faith in me. I am looking forward to getting stuck in and making sure the issues affecting Ventnor are at the top of the agenda at the Isle of Wight Council.”
Conservative MP candidate for Isle of Wight East, Joe Robertson, said, “I am delighted my friend Ed Blake will be joining our Councillor team. Ed has Ventnor running through his veins and will make the ideal representative for his home town. I look forward to working with him and making sure Ventnor does not get left behind.”
