HS Alliance
The Isle of Wight’s youngest councilor was elected following a successful campaign in the Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) by-election.
An empty seat was filled at the NCCC in the Carisbrooke and Gunville neighborhoods yesterday (Thursday, August 5) by 18-year-old Matthew Ambrosini, who won with a majority of 75 votes.
Cllr Ambrosini, a student at Cowes Enterprise College, turned 18 in April and now takes on the title of youngest councilor on the island, which was previously held by Cllr Cameron Palin of East Cowes City Council.
The NCCC seat had been empty since elections earlier this year, when elected candidate Bev Hastings did not take office as it was said she felt it was wrong to occupy the seat without challenge .
Three candidates were in contention yesterday, with Cllr Ambrosini in the lead.
The results were:
- Matthew Ambrosini, Carisbrooke resident, champion of the local community – 220 votes
- Verity Bird, independent – 111 votes
- Stephen Rushbrook, Green Party – 145 votes
Cllr Ambrosini also ran in the Isle of Wight council election in May for Newport Central, as a Tory representative, but failed.
He is a member of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association, but the group – like others on the island – is not fielding candidates for city, parish or community council by-elections.
Speaking after his victory, he said he was delighted to represent the region, where he has lived since birth, on the council.
Cllr Ambrosini said: “I agree that for many residents, choosing an 18-year-old student to be one of their advisers was not something they expected to do. But I am honored. that they did, and I will demonstrate the trust they placed in me was the right thing to do. ”
Alongside Cllr Cara Lock, 19, a member of the community council, Cllr Ambrosini said he was eager to bring a new and young perspective to his deliberations that will complement the experience of other councilors.
He said: “There are many issues affecting the area, such as the Alliance Group’s plans to allocate land in Gunville for 170 houses.
“Working with Cllr Terry Martin [NCCC’s other representative for Carisbrooke & Gunville], I will urge residents to respond to the Isle of Wight Council consultation on these proposals. ”
Celebrating the results, Cllr Ambrosini said: “I look forward to a pint or two tonight. celebrate.”