Councillor Julie Jones-Evans is to take the lead on regeneration for the Isle of Wight Council.

The Newport Central candidate is a familiar face in to town and is an independent.

She was announced in role in Wednesday night and is part of the Alliance, led by council leader Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox.

Cllr Jones-Evans told the County Press: "I feel really excited to be working with a group of really dedicated people who have responded to what the Isle of Wight said at the election on May 6."

She said: "The choice was clear, so it was quite easy to work together.

"I've been working in Newport regeneration for quite some time and I'm on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Board.

"I know a lot of what's going on already.

"My first thing to do will be to asses where we are and what's already planned.

"We've talked about more cultural regeneration - the arts.

"That is something the Island's rich in and something we can build upon.

"We haven't had our briefings yet.

"Being creative is important.

"Delivering our statutory services first, we have to see the lay of the land before we make any decisions."