Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has confirmed his plans to stand for the Isle of Wight West constituency at the next general election, assuming proposals to split the Island in half are introduced by the Boundary Commission.

A consultation on the plans to create two electoral areas in time for the next election, by January 2025, closed on Monday.

In a statement shared with the Isle of Wight County Press, Conservative Bob Seely called it a wonderful privilege to represent the Island at Westminster

He said he would put his name into the ring for an area expected to cover the West Wight and Cowes and East Cowes.

Isle of Wight County Press:

A second MP will represent Isle of Wight East, if the new boundaries are introduced.

Mr Seely said: "Whilst I am disappointed at losing the opportunity to represent all the Island after the next General Election, the new boundaries mean that I have to decide which seat I wish to be selected in.

"I live in Isle of Wight West, so that is the natural choice for me.

"However, I will continue to represent the whole Island in equal measure between now and until the next General Election.

"Even after then – if I have the honour of being re-selected and re-elected – I will work with the MP for the other constituency to ensure that we together speak up for the Island as a whole, in the same way I have done since 2017 and will continue to do."

In his statement to the Isle of Wight County Press, Mr Seely pointed to his record, including "a £48 million investment in the NHS, around £50 million for Island Line and Ryde railway pier, nearly £6 million for a heavy lift ship crane at East Cowes and £20 million for the Isle of Wight College."

Mr Seely said he had also ensured Arts Council funding, roads policing officers and the government's Island’s Forum.

He said: "I want Islanders to have better opportunities and better life chances.

"We’ve managed to deliver a great deal to the Island, but there is always more to do, and if people would like me to keep working hard for the Island, it would be an honour to do so."