Since I last wrote at the beginning of November we have seen a number of major political happenings, both locally and nationally.

Nationally the knives have been out for the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, whose popularity seems to be waning as his handling of the Covid situation upsets both those in his own party; who don’t agree with the introduction of even tighter restrictions such as vaccine passports and the re-introduction of masks, and those on the left who want restrictions to be even harsher - I’m quite sure a number of those on the left would have us all locked up in our homes forever.

I would try and have some sympathy for Johnson, who is stuck between a rock and a hard place, but it’s impossible to feel sympathy for him when we hear story after story about sleaze, illegal parties and undocumented donations, plus he still hasn’t produced that Island Deal we were promised.

Our MP, Bob Seely managed to get himself onto the front page of the County Press last week for actually managing to ask the Prime Minister in the House of Commons about the mythical Island Deal, but Johnson’s response was nothing other than a brush off.

Rather than come back at the PM and demand action, our MP said nothing, but then took to social media to ‘boast’ about his ‘achievement’ of asking a question.

Unfortunately, it looks as though Captain Bob is turning out to be as useful a local representative for the Isle of Wight as Andrew Turner was.

Mr Seely seems very keen to portray himself as ‘one of us’, but I certainly don’t feel like he represents me in any way, shape or form at this present time.

I really wanted him to succeed when he was elected, and my very first article following his election asked that islanders get behind him and give him a chance, but other than getting us a second-hand train that virtually none of us use, along with some government cash to smarten-up East Cowes; which the council were mainly responsible for getting, what has Mr Seely actually achieved?

He loves to be seen with his sleeves rolled up, looking ready to do business, but apart from shouting down housing applications, which is always a good point scorer, what business has he done?

My faith in Bob Seely will partly return if I find he voted in the Commons on Tuesday against the introduction of vaccine passports.

At the time of writing this article the vote hadn’t taken place, but I really hope that Mr Seely has voted against; although as Keir Starmer and Labour offer no opposition, the passports will no doubt have been voted in anyway.

Not only are such passports discriminatory, but they will ruin businesses; including Isle of Wight businesses, as people decide to stay away from places rather than ‘show their papers’. These are worrying times.

Meanwhile at County Hall, council leader Lora Peacey-Wilcox has taken time out to re-charge her batteries.

I personally think she is doing a great job and can think of no better person to be in charge, so wish her a speedy recovery.

Councillor Steve Hastings has also stepped down as leader of the local Tories and has been replaced by Cllr Joe Robertson, who reminds me of the fictional Tory, Alan B’stard, who was brilliantly played by Rik Mayall.

Mr Robertson very clearly has high political aspirations, but from what I’ve seen of him so far in chambers, I’m not impressed.

The way he laid into Mrs Peacey-Wilcox over how she sorts her email box was just nasty, and we’ve all had enough of nasty.

When I return in the New Year, I will report on the progress of the Floating Bridge saga.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year - let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.