Richard Quigley elected as Isle of Wight's first Labour MP

Richard Quigley has made history, defeating Conservative Bob Seely in Isle of Wight West to become the Island's first ever Labour MP.

Richard recorded a total of 13,240 votes - a majority of more than 3,000 over the former MP, who came second.

Bob recorded 10,063 votes.

Richard, 52, took 38.5 per cent of the possible votes available, compared to 24.3 per cent in 2019, when the Island wasn't split into two constituencies.

He becomes the first non-Tory MP to be elected on the Island in 26 years - the last being Lib Dem Peter Brand in 1997.

Speaking to the County Press tonight, ahead of his victory, he said he wanted to get the Island "back on the map".

He said: "The top three problems is ferries, education and housing, all of that.

"We've had ten plus years of just being invisible as a Tory government.

"So, getting our place back and starting to champion the Island.

"I've had a lot of fun this campaign. It's been a happy campaign."

In third was Reform UK candidate, Ian Pickering, who secured 5,834 votes.

(Image: IWCP)

Fourth placed was IW Lib Dem, Nick Stuart and fifth was Cameron Palin, of the IW Green Party.

Rachel Thacker, ADF, came sixth with 117 votes.

Polls closed at 10pm and after hours of counting, results were finally declared at around 4am.

The total turnout of this election, when comparing both constituencies, is 61.58 per cent.

That is the lowest turnout in a General Election on the Island since 2005, which was 61.3 per cent.

Previously, the Island was one constituency and at the last election, in 2019, there was an electorate of 113,021.

Conservative Bob Seely cut a dejected figure as he arrived at the count.

He held the seat between June 8, 2017, to May 30, 2024.

Richard, who grew up in Retford in North Nottinghamshire, moved to the Island to open fish and chip ship, Corries Cabin in Cowes High Street.

Before that he studied manufacturing systems engineering at Coventry University and worked at Britvic Soft Drinks, where he met his wife.

He is the current Isle of Wight councillor for Cowes North and a charity trustee of Pan Together and the Footprint Trust.

Richard has two children and two grandchildren and enjoys spending time with his family and taking his dogs for walks.