ONE of the four members of the new Vectis Party won't be standing for the council elections and could be kicked out of the party — after he was convicted of drug offences.

Julian Harris was announced as a member of the party last week, in a launch video.

However, he appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday and was sentenced for supplying and producing cannabis.

He was given a 12-month community order to include ten rehabilitation days, and was also given a curfew to stay indoors, Mondays to Thursdays, between 9pm and 7am.

The Vectis Party told the County Press: "The Vectis Party was surprised when reports reached us that Mr Harris had recently been convicted of cannabis related offences.

"We note that Mr. Harris admitted his mistake, accepted guilt and that the justice system has done its job in punishing him.

"This is a serious matter and Mr Harris has fallen well below the standards we expect of those that represent us.

"As such we have suspended him from holding party office or representing the Vectis Party in any way and are reviewing his membership.

"This action precludes Mr Harris from standing for the Vectis Party in May."

An earlier court hearing heard that 11 plants were found, valued between £3,000 and £9,000 depending upon the yield, and messages on Harris's phone showed involvement in the supply of the drug.

Harris, who had previous convictions but none of a similar nature, told police he had been supplying friends because of Covid-19 and the resultant reduction in supply on the Island.