The Isle of Wight Green Party says it is 'overjoyed' to have two councillors at the seat of Isle of Wight Council - County Hall in Newport.

One of the pair unseated former leader, Conservative Dave Stewart.

The other will represent an area previously held by Conservative John Hobart, who did not stand this time around.

Today, Chale, Niton and Shorwell's Cllr Claire Critchison and Carisbrooke and Gunville's Cllr Joe Lever were sworn in.

The Green Party tweeted: "They are going to make an excellent team and real champions, not only for the Green Party but their local communities."

Shortly after the results were announced, on Friday night, Cllr Critchison told the County Press: "I'm shocked and happy. It's going to be amazing.

"It was a two horse race, in Chale Niton and Shorwell, but I went with it and I'm really pleased that the residents of that ward wanted me to to do it."

Meanwhile, Councillor Joe Lever said: "Wow! I'm excited. It's a big responsibility but I think we're up to the task.

"Our colleague, Cameron Palin, missed out on four votes in Osborne ward and that was bittersweet, but we're still overjoyed with two of us being in County Hall."

With no overall majority, but with the most number of seats being won by the Conservative party, the race is now on to take control of the decision-making process.

There are possibilities of deals being done between different parties - an assortment of Conservative, Green, Labour, Our Island, Vectis Party and independent councillors.

Cllr Critchison said The Green Party was open to working with others, but nothing had been agreed.

She said: "We are willing, but we're looking at what our options will be. Then we'll go forward from there."

Cllr Lever acknowledged that 'casual conversations' had taken place, but nothing was 'concrete'.

ISLE OF WIGHT GREENS are celebrating today after winning two seats in the Council elections - which will lead to the formation of the first official Green Party group on the Isle of Wight Council.

The Green Party says it has seen the formation of the first official Green Party group on the Isle of Wight Council.

Cllr Lever said: “This breakthrough success has been a long time coming!

"I am incredibly proud and cannot wait to advance our Green vision for the area and the Isle of Wight as a whole.”

Cllr Claire Critchison said: “It has been an incredible team effort. 

“I am hopeful that by working together we can make a real difference for people living in our towns and villages across the Isle of Wight in the years to come.”

Meanwhile, former leader of the Green Party, Natalie Bennett, tweeted, in reference to the defeat of Dave Stewart: "Two gains on the Island, including this real biggie! Great work."

The Green Party previously won a seat on the Isle of Wight Council, but lost it when Cllr Michael Lilley left to go independent, in 2018, citing "different perspectives."