Isle of Wight Council elections: Sandown North candidates

Incumbent councillor Debbie Andre (Independent) faces Clive James Cheetham (Labour Party), Alex Lightfoot (Independent), Sean Newton (Reform UK), Cinnamon Noakes (The Green Party) and Joan Solomon (Conservative).

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted candidates for 100 words pitches and photos, either directly or through parties or groups before voters head to the polls on May 7.

Here’s what they had to say, in no particular order…

Debbie Andre (incumbent ward councillor)

Debbie Andre (Independent)

Having lived in Sandown for over 18 years, it’s been my privilege to
represent you for the past nine years. As an independent I have the
freedom to be your community leader and champion, tackling the
issues that matter to you without having to toe any “party line”.

I’m asking for your vote to be able to use my proven depth of experience
and knowledge gained to continue making those difficult decisions that
ultimately affect all our lives, voting for positive change with a strong
moral compass, doing what is right not politically popular. I need your
vote to continue.

Clive James Cheetham

Clive Cheetham (Labour Party)

Clive Cheetham is an experienced borough councillor, a retired health and safety professional who served in the RAF for nine years, and chairman of Sandown Men-in-Sheds group.

Alex Lightfoot

Alex Lightfoot (Independent)

Sandown lacks a strong voice fighting its corner at County Hall, it is time that changed. Party politics has no place at a local level, drawing up lines that divide, rather than seeking common ground.

The Island faces major issues in the coming years, and all councillors must work together for the future of the Island. We must tackle school place planning, give our young people reasons to stay, and embrace the benefits of devolution.

To do this, we need to engage with and harness the power of progressive town and parish councils as well as the new mayoral authority.

Robert Sean Newton

Robert Sean Newton (Reform UK) (Image: Contributed)

I am a local businessman and committed community representative with a strong belief in hard work, fairness, and practical action. I was born with a team-player attitude which has been shaped by years of hands-on experience in building, property maintenance, and problem-solving.

I live and grew up in Sandown and I understand the everyday issues that matter most to residents.

I want to see Sandown return to its glory days and know that with the correct
representation at County Hall this could finally start to happen after so many sad years of managed decline.

Cinnamon Noakes

Cinnamon Noakes (The Green Party)

I have lived in Sandown most of my life and am acutely aware of the town’s primary issues. My main priorities are dealing with derelict buildings on the high street and seafront, mitigating flooding, and helping improve public services such as care and ease of conversing with the council.

I am also a care leaver – after being within the ‘care’ system for five years I have seen both the upsides of the council’s Personal Adviser system, as well as the horrors of private ownership over the care of our community’s most vulnerable.

Joan Solomon 

Joan Solomon (Conservative)

I moved here from London in November 2016 with my late husband, Allen, and stayed. I worked in the NHS for 42 years, 27 as a consultant gynaecologist. I am parish secretary to St. Mary-the-Virgin, Brading, 7.5 years, was elected to Sandown Town Council last year and chair two subcommittees.

I continue to serve in the Island Lay Ministry Team, since 2023. I have always put community service first and am used to long hours and hard work. My priorities are improving Sandown and providing economic stability, access and opportunity for the Island.

Please contact me on: 0738 6106314 or http://www.joansolomon.co.uk

Look out for other stories on the various Isle of Wight wards