Joe Robertson, Conservative Candidate for Isle of Wight East, launched his campaign to become the new MP in Ventnor today. He was joined by Trade Minister Greg Hands MP, local councillor Ed Blake and dozens of local supporters at Cheetah Marine's yard on the Esplanade.
Joe Robertson and the Minister were given a tour of the yard where boats were being fitted out prior to shipping to the mainland and the Netherlands. The focus of the launch was on business and jobs but Joe also spoke about his priorities for improving community care and supporting local schools. He said that as an Islander and father he wanted to help make the Island an even better place to live, work and grow up.
Joe said,
Cheetah Marine is a local success story. From testing boats 35 years ago for local waters, to employing nearly 40 local people today and exporting around the world. We need more secure, permanent employment on the Island. The new MP for East Wight must help attract new business investment and jobs to encourage young people to stay, and working families to move here. That's one of my top three priorities.
The visit also included a meeting with local residents on Leeson Road where Joe and Greg were joined by councillors Ed Blake and Rodney Downer. They saw the monitoring equipment that has been installed, and Mr Hands said that the Council and Island Roads should move quickly to reopen the road to support residents and businesses in the town.
