THE Isle of Wight's youngest councillor has been elected following a successful campaign in the Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) by-election.

An empty seat was filled on NCCC in the Carisbrooke and Gunville ward yesterday (Thursday, August 5) by 18-year-old Matthew Ambrosini, who won with a 75-vote majority.

Cllr Ambrosini, a Cowes Enterprise College student, turned 18 in April and now takes the title of the youngest councillor on the Island, which was previously held by Cllr Cameron Palin of East Cowes Town Council.

The seat on NCCC had been empty since the elections earlier in the year, when elected candidate Bev Hastings did not take office as it was said she felt it was wrong to take the seat uncontested.

Three candidates were running yesterday, with Cllr Ambrosini coming on top.

The results were:

  • Matthew Ambrosini, Carisbrooke Resident, Championing the Local Community – 220 votes
  • Verity Bird, Independent – 111 votes
  • Stephen Rushbrook, Green Party – 145 votes

Cllr Ambrosini also stood in the Isle of Wight Council elections back in May for Newport Central, as the Conservative representative, but was unsuccessful.

He is a member of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association, but the group — like others on the Island — does not stand candidates in town, parish or community council by-elections.

Speaking after his win, he said he was delighted to represent the area, where he has lived since birth, on the council.

Cllr Ambrosini said: "I recognise for many residents choosing an 18-year-old college student to be one of their councillors was not something they were expecting to do. But I am honoured they have done so, and I will demonstrate the trust they placed in me was the right thing to do."

Alongside 19-year-old Cllr Cara Lock on the community council, Cllr Ambrosini said he looks forward to bringing a fresh, youthful perspective to its deliberations that will complement the experience of other councillors.

He said: "There are many issues affecting the area, such as the plans from the Alliance Group to allocate land in Gunville for 170 homes.

"Working with Cllr Terry Martin [NCCC's other representative for Carisbrooke & Gunville], I will be urging residents to respond to the Isle of Wight Council’s consultation on these proposals."

Celebrating the results, Cllr Ambrosini said: “I look forward to a pint or two this evening. to celebrate.”