PROTESTERS are preparing for the arrival of Boris Johnson on the Isle of Wight this week.

Three women — Mairead Healy, who is chief executive of the IW Youth Trust, Felicity Radak and Jayne O'Harrow, say they are standing in solidarity with survivors of domestic abuse. The protest is not connected to the IW Youth Trust.

The protest is in response to news reports that neighbours of Mr Johnson phoned police after hearing a row at the property he shares with his partner Carrie Symonds.

IW MP Bob Seely is backing Mr Johnson in the leadership campaign and defended him on Twitter, calling the neighbours 'what lovely people...' and the reporting of the row a 'feeble hatchet-job attempt'.

IW domestic abuse charity Wight Dash responded: "This shocking dismissal of domestic abuse is deeply hurtful to all victims, especially those on IW. Reflects an ugly misogyny in our MP, choosing to protect the reputation of such a man."

IW Green Party leader Vix Lowthian added: "Bob — this is an appalling dismissal of public concerns about domestic violence. I'm truly shocked.

"Those who report concerns to the police are not 'feeble'. Please withdraw."

Mr Johnson is coming to the IW, with fellow leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt, on Thursday afternoon, for an IW Conservative Association event.

Although the location of the event has not been revealed, the protesters plan to stand outside.

The event organisers stated: "The response of the Conservative Party and the IW MP, Bob Seely, to these allegations have been disrespectful and disappointing in the extreme.

"Last year, an average of two women per week were killed by their partners in England and Wales. This is a complex issue which deserves serious attention and action.

"What we have seen over the past few days has been an inadequate response that further stigmatises the issue, potentially keeping more victims of domestic abuse silent and preventing neighbours and people from the community from stepping in to help stop abuse.

"This is simply not good enough and we demand more from our politicians. That is why we will be protesting this Thursday and standing in solidarity with all survivors of domestic abuse.

"We hope you will join us."

Island Labour chair, Julian Critchley, criticised the secrecy over the Conservative Association event's location.

He said: "The fact that the location and time of this meeting is being kept hidden from ordinary Islanders is symbolic of how the Tories have gone about this whole circus.

"The only thing their ragtag band of candidates has agreed on since the start of this sorry process, is that the little people should have no opportunity at all of choosing their next Prime Minister. "Instead, the Tories once again treat the country as some sort of unwanted captive audience, rather than citizens with democratic rights."

Anni Adams, vice-chair of the IW Liberal Democrats, said: "I and the IW Liberal Democrats are against all forms of domestic violence. Recent stories about Boris Johnson emphasises the importance of this issue and of supporting affected families.
"The upcoming Island visit from potential leaders of the Conservative party to speak to their members has invoked strong opinions and divisions,  particularly on the appropriate behaviour and credentials of a future PM. 
"We believe that potential leaders of a political party must be held accountable, and allowed the opportunity to answer questions from party members. We support the chance for a few Islanders to ask such questions. 
"We would also welcome the opportunity for all Islanders to address the next Prime Minister on how they would support the Island and ask them to address problems we face locally.
"Our Liberal values and approaches are very different to the contenders' but we believe in the democratic right of their party members to vote for a new leader.

"We also support the right of any Islander to object to the presence of either contender, whether supporting the rights of domestic abuse victims, or against the ability and approach of either of them which we believe would have a destructive influence on our economy and country."
 

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