A new Isle of Wight ‘movement’ has soft-launched, with a community mission statement aiming to put the Island at its core; a plan to fundamentally change the way the Island is run, from the top down; and ambition to create a new political group.

‘Our Island’ launched this week, with a website and Facebook page, inspired by the way the community has pulled together to fight coronavirus.

A formal launch will follow later in the year.

Calling Isle of Wight politics mainly ‘pale, male and stale’, it aims is to encourage community-minded individuals to step up, get involved and to make a pledge to “work for the people of the Isle of Wight, its businesses, environment and visitors and, if elected to any public office, to work positively and constructively.”

It will ask members to prioritise that mission statement over any other political views and allegiances.

Open to collaboration, ‘Our Island’ aims to deliver a long-overdue shake-up, the County Press was told.

A spokesperson said: “It’s not about rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic, it’s about building a new boat.

“The current system doesn’t work. It was created 25 years ago, in a different financial situation. It’s no longer fit for purpose.

“It needs to be restructured. Replaced with something that works.

“We’re looking for people and ideas. We also want candidates.”

Find the website at ourislandiw.com.