Our Ryde’s independent candidate, Tom Hanley, is now a member of Ryde Town Council after winning the Ryde Appley and Elmfield by-election on Thursday.

He got 416 votes to 124 for Lou Temel of the Concerned Resident Awareness Group.

The win means Our Ryde has eight of the 16 Ryde Town Councillors and all three seats of Ryde Appley and Elmfield.

Tom said: “I feel so honoured to be elected by 77 per cent of those who voted especially as they ventured out in the rain.

"I feel also honoured to stand for Our Ryde, who have achieved so much in our town which we all love so much.

"I am happy to join a team of residents who passionately want to find solutions and accentuate the positive.”

Deputy Mayor and Our Ryde member, Cllr Jenna Sabine, said: “Tom deserves this win as he already works hard in the community.

"His win shows Our Ryde is a positive brand in Ryde and that after 18 months since the May 2021 elections, when all Our Ryde candidates won, residents still believe in us.”

Cllr Michael Lilley, Our Ryde and Mayor of Ryde said: "Tom brings amazing skills to the Ryde team as he has 44 years’ experience in construction and project management.

"Ryde is growing and in the next 12 months there are going to be some amazing building/heritage, restoration projects from Appley Tower to St Thomas’s Church, to Shademaker's and Ryde Art’s The Department on Cross Street to Vectis Hall.

"Ryde is a seaside town on a mission and at heart of this mission is creative and cultural industries. Ryde is a community spirited carnival town that has started a journey of renaissance. 

"In 2022, Ryde community enterprises, businesses, voluntary sector, and Ryde Town Council have been quietly beavering away on building the foundation of a building and creative revolution.

"In 2023, the seeds sown over the past few years will start to flourish into a colourful display. Funding applications and strategies are now bearing fruits of success.“