Michael Lilley is the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Isle of Wight East and has lived on the Island his whole life. He has been a long time member of Green Liberal Democrats and is an enthusiastic campaigner on the Island for environmental isssues, as well as a fervent supporter of social justice issues - He describes his political beliefs as being community oriented, humanitarian and environmentalist. An experienced politician and campaigner, Lilley has sat on the Unitary Authority of Isle of Wight Council for 8 years and is also the former Mayor for Ryde Council. As well as his council role, Michael also writes Children's books and is a keen gardener. 

The Isle of Wight East constituency is new under the recent boundary review and it is currently a Conservative seat. 

He studied Community Work and counselling at University and then went on to study Psychology as well as having worked for vulnerable communities including those who are homeless, unemployed, and refugees. He became a counsellor in the late 80’s initially for those living with HIV/Aids and later refugees, veterans and police officers who experienced trauma. In 1997, he founded the ‘My Time’ psychological practice/movement in Birmingham and was Chief Executive until 2017 when My Time merged with the Richmond Fellowship, becoming the largest voluntary provider of mental health services in England. My Time operated on Isle of Wight from 2013 to 2017. 

His achievements during his time as a Counicillor are numerous and many revolve around strengthening the community, including campaigning for active establishment of community development officer and a community forum. Founding member of hte local East Wight charity, is the current Chair of the Isle of Wight Community Forum, as well as helping to double the amount of Community and Arts carnivals on the Island. As well as youth work, tackling poverty, environment and championing Mental Health issues and awareness. 

To read about more of Michael's many achievements on the Isle of Wight read the 'About' Page on his website: https://michaellilley.uk/about-michael/

Michael's 'Fair Deal'

He lists Economy, Healthcare, Environment and Island Equality as his top priorities in his fair deal.

Island Equality is one of the strong themes of his Fair Deal - ensuring no resident is disadvantaged by living on the island, comparably with mainland neighbours. This includes equal access to healthcare and NHS services - at all times. 

The environmnet is also one of Michael's key priorities, alongside a strong, sustainable economy which he believes should be realised strategically through a combination of green enterprise, tourism and employment. 

Environment, Climate Change, Green Space, and Green Jobs 

His goal is to make East Wight (along with the rest of the Isle) to become the healthiest place to live and work - as well as a template for climate change protection in the UK. 

As a small island located in the sea off the coast of Bournemouth, Poole and Southampton, Michael has made it clear he will have zero tolerance of sewage in the sea. - Unlike current Conservative MP Bob Seely who voted to NOT have increased regulation of water companies who dump sewage into our waterways in the vote that took place earlier this May. The amendment by the Lib Dems would have made water bosses criminally liable for releasing pollution and sewage. 

Saving Greenfields

Supporting Residents in a 8–year fight to save greenspace in Ryde from overdevelopment which has resulted in one development being stopped (Pennyfeathers) and another (Westridge Farm) now going to Judicial Review – Save Westridge Farm Campaign (crowdjustice.com)

Preventing Sewage being released on Ryde beaches

Working with residents and Surfers Against Sewage in campaigning against Southern Water who illegally release raw sewage into the Solent.

Campaigning for Climate Change and Green Jobs

In 2018, put forward the motion for IW Council to declare a Climate Emergency and establish a Climate Emergency strategy.

I have been a director/trustee of Wight Community Energy which has pioneered community–owned solar farming on the Island – Home – Wight Community Energy – (iowcommunityenergy.org)

I have championed the idea of the Isle of Wight being a Green and Circular Economy Island and I commissioned a Green Jobs Report in 2016 which I am still working on getting adopted.

Wight Community Energy (Solar Farm)

A Trustee/Director.

Read Michael Lilley's articles on Climate Emergency and Pollution issues here: https://michaellilley.uk/category/environment/climate-emergency/

See Michael Lilley's short film on Litter below: 

Making Change Happen

Michael Lilley is a key member of the Green Liberal Democrats team which can, together, make environmental change happen in Parliament, so we'll be doing all we can to help get him elected. Will you join us?

For more Green Heroes go to the Green Heroes front page here -  https://greenlibdems.org.uk/en/page/green-heroes