Karen is the eldest of five, a devoted mother to her son and a proud nonna to her beautiful grandchildren. She was educated in Ryde, where she first began shaping her future before joining a youth training scheme that led her to become a travel agent in her hometown. Determined to keep growing, she later went on to university when her son was five years old. Throughout her life, Karen has always been drawn to roles that help others—a passion that continues to inspire and fulfil her to this day. Karen has proudly represented the community of Ryde since her election to the Ryde Town Council in 2013. In addition to her responsibilities at the town level, she was elected to the Isle of Wight Council for her first term in 2021. Working alongside the residents of Ryde and specifically with the Monktonmead area has been a significant honor for her. Throughout her tenure, Karen has been deeply grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of the community
Karen is the eldest of five, a devoted mother to her son and a proud nonna to her beautiful grandchildren. She was educated in Ryde, where she first began shaping her future before joining a youth training scheme that led her to become a travel agent in her hometown. Determined to keep growing, she later went on to university when her son was five years old. Throughout her life, Karen has always been drawn to roles that help others—a passion that continues to inspire and fulfil her to this day. Karen has proudly represented the community of Ryde since her election to the Ryde Town Council in 2013. In addition to her responsibilities at the town level, she was elected to the Isle of Wight Council for her first term in 2021. Working alongside the residents of Ryde and specifically with the Monktonmead area has been a significant honor for her. Throughout her tenure, Karen has been deeply grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of the community
Karen is the eldest of five, a devoted mother to her son and a proud nonna to her beautiful grandchildren. She was educated in Ryde, where she first began shaping her future before joining a youth training scheme that led her to become a travel agent in her hometown. Determined to keep growing, she later went on to university when her son was five years old. Throughout her life, Karen has always been drawn to roles that help others—a passion that continues to inspire and fulfil her to this day. Karen has proudly represented the community of Ryde since her election to the Ryde Town Council in 2013. In addition to her responsibilities at the town level, she was elected to the Isle of Wight Council for her first term in 2021. Working alongside the residents of Ryde and specifically with the Monktonmead area has been a significant honor for her. Throughout her tenure, Karen has been deeply grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of the community
As part of Karens role she represents the island on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire and rescue service As a dedicated representative of the Isle of Wight on the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority, I have proudly served as the people's champion for the past three years. My focus on inclusion and diversity has been integral to my work, ensuring that the well-being of our firefighters and staff remains a top priority. I am thrilled to have secured funding for a new fire station in East Cowes, which has significantly improved our emergency response capabilities, allowing us to provide a 24/7 service from Ryde. Additionally, I am passionate about nurturing the aspirations of our young residents through initiatives with The Prince’s Trust (now The King’s Trust) and our Fire Cadets program. These programs are instrumental in helping our youth develop valuable skills and explore rewarding career paths in the fire service and beyond.
Karen is the eldest of five, a devoted mother to her son and a proud nonna to her beautiful grandchildren. She was educated in Ryde, where she first began shaping her future before joining a youth training scheme that led her to become a travel agent in her hometown. Determined to keep growing, she later went on to university when her son was five years old. Throughout her life, Karen has always been drawn to roles that help others—a passion that continues to inspire and fulfil her to this day. Karen has proudly represented the community of Ryde since her election to the Ryde Town Council in 2013. In addition to her responsibilities at the town level, she was elected to the Isle of Wight Council for her first term in 2021. Working alongside the residents of Ryde and specifically with the Monktonmead area has been a significant honor for her. Throughout her tenure, Karen has been deeply grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of the community
Karen is the eldest of five, a devoted mother to her son and a proud nonna to her beautiful grandchildren. She was educated in Ryde, where she first began shaping her future before joining a youth training scheme that led her to become a travel agent in her hometown. Determined to keep growing, she later went on to university when her son was five years old. Throughout her life, Karen has always been drawn to roles that help others—a passion that continues to inspire and fulfil her to this day. Karen has proudly represented the community of Ryde since her election to the Ryde Town Council in 2013. In addition to her responsibilities at the town level, she was elected to the Isle of Wight Council for her first term in 2021. Working alongside the residents of Ryde and specifically with the Monktonmead area has been a significant honor for her. Throughout her tenure, Karen has been deeply grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of the community
As an elected representative, Karen has had the privilege of working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner to enhance the safety and security of the community across the Isle of Wight. Together, they have prioritized the need for more officers on the island, ensuring a stronger police presence to help keep neighbourhoods safe. She is particularly proud of her efforts to reopen the front desk at Ryde police station, making it easier for residents in Ryde to access vital services and support. Karen also played a key role as part of the interview panel for the new Chief Constable and area commander for the Isle of Wight, helping to ensure the selection of strong, community-focused leaders dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced locally. With continued support from residents, she remains committed to building a safer, more connected community for everyone.
Karen is the eldest of five, a devoted mother to her son and a proud nonna to her beautiful grandchildren. She was educated in Ryde, where she first began shaping her future before joining a youth training scheme that led her to become a travel agent in her hometown. Determined to keep growing, she later went on to university when her son was five years old. Throughout her life, Karen has always been drawn to roles that help others—a passion that continues to inspire and fulfil her to this day. Karen has proudly represented the community of Ryde since her election to the Ryde Town Council in 2013. In addition to her responsibilities at the town level, she was elected to the Isle of Wight Council for her first term in 2021. Working alongside the residents of Ryde and specifically with the Monktonmead area has been a significant honor for her. Throughout her tenure, Karen has been deeply grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of the community
As an elected representative, Karen has had the privilege of working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner to enhance the safety and security of the community across the Isle of Wight. Together, they have prioritized the need for more officers on the island, ensuring a stronger police presence to help keep neighbourhoods safe. She is particularly proud of her efforts to reopen the front desk at Ryde police station, making it easier for residents in Ryde to access vital services and support. Karen also played a key role as part of the interview panel for the new Chief Constable and area commander for the Isle of Wight, helping to ensure the selection of strong, community-focused leaders dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced locally. With continued support from residents, she remains committed to building a safer, more connected community for everyone.
About Ryde Monktonmead
Ward work
Working for Ryde, my role as your local councillor revolves around community support and collaborating with residents. One of my initial focuses was on flood management, leading the Ryde flood group that I relaunched in November 2023 and initially chaired. Flooding poses a significant challenge for many residents, making it essential to u
Working for Ryde, my role as your local councillor revolves around community support and collaborating with residents. One of my initial focuses was on flood management, leading the Ryde flood group that I relaunched in November 2023 and initially chaired. Flooding poses a significant challenge for many residents, making it essential to unite our community to ensure that local concerns are heard and addressed. I'm delighted to report that the group now has a new chair and an excellent committee, who are doing remarkable work for our community. Through this group and my broader ward work, I consistently engage with organizations responsible for flood management and infrastructure, such as the Environment Agency, Southern Water, Island Roads, Highways, and the Isle of Wight Council’s Flood Authority. These meetings play a crucial role in voicing residents’ concerns and ensuring that progress is made on the issues impacting our area. Residents should stay tuned for information about the next flood meeting, where we will once again connect residents and agencies to discuss advancements and future initiatives. My ward work also addresses everyday issues that enhance our local environment. By collaborating with residents, I have successfully arranged for a new dog bin to be installed upon request and ensured that yellow lines were repainted where visibility had become an issue when turning out of roads, contributing to the safety of our community. Beyond these practical improvements, I recognize the importance of supporting our local businesses, as our shops and services are the backbone of our community, and shopping locally is vital for keeping Ryde vibrant. To foster better communication and community engagement, I initiated a Ryde Facebook page, where residents can voice their concerns, engage in discussions about local issues that matter, and connect with local businesses. I remain committed to working closely with residents, listening to their concerns, and doing everything I can to support the people and businesses that make Ryde Monktonmead such a wonderful place to live.
Started the Monktonmead Flood Group in 2023, when the community of Monktonmead in Ryde experienced devastating flooding. After the initial shock and recovery, local councillor Karen recognised that a dedicated community flood group was essential to strengthen resilience and preparedness for the future. Working alongside residents, she h
Started the Monktonmead Flood Group in 2023, when the community of Monktonmead in Ryde experienced devastating flooding. After the initial shock and recovery, local councillor Karen recognised that a dedicated community flood group was essential to strengthen resilience and preparedness for the future. Working alongside residents, she helped bring people together to establish exactly that. Karen served as chair during the group’s first year, supporting members as they carried out detailed investigations and began ongoing flood management work to reduce the risk of similar events happening again. Having now stepped down from the chair role, she continues to support the group as liaison officer, working closely with the new chair and using her professional relationships to ensure key meetings and partnerships take place. Through Ryde Town Council, Karen secured funding for storage boxes placed within flood-risk areas. These are filled with sandbags so flood wardens can quickly assist vulnerable residents when needed. The group’s resilience work has been extensive, and in partnership with both Isle of Wight Council and its emergency planning department, clear procedures are now in place so that help can be mobilised swiftly during an emergency. To improve communication and access to vital information, the emergency planning department purchased a community noticeboard for Simeon Recreation Ground, while Karen arranged for another to be installed at Ashley Gardens. These boards provide guidance, housing support information, emergency contacts, and practical advice so residents know where to turn if flooding occurs. This work is ongoing, and the flood group continues to go from strength to strength. Anyone interested in volunteering as a flood warden is warmly encouraged to contact Karen, who can connect them with the coordinator leading this vital part of the community plan. Ryde Monktonmead, we strive to create a welcoming community that promotes diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all. Our mission is to provide a space where members can connect, learn, and grow together.
Cabinet Member for Community Protection (2021–2025) From 2021 to 2025, Karen served as the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Community Protection. This role covered a wide and important portfolio focused on keeping residents safe, supporting essential services, and ensuring the council was prepared to respond to both local challenges and wider risks. Karen worked closely with partners including the police, fire service and emergency planning teams to help coordinate responses to incidents and ensure the Island remained well prepared for emergencies. The role also included responsibility for the council’s IT services, including oversight of the cyber security strategy, helping ensure that council systems and residents’ data were protected in an increasingly digital world. In addition, Karen’s portfolio included responsibility for waste services, an area that affects every household on the Island and is central to environmental protection and community wellbeing.
Cabinet Member for Community Protection (2021–2025) From 2021 to 2025, Karen served as the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Community Protection. This role covered a wide and important portfolio focused on keeping residents safe, supporting essential services, and ensuring the council was prepared to respond to both local challenges and wider risks. Karen worked closely with partners including the police, fire service and emergency planning teams to help coordinate responses to incidents and ensure the Island remained well prepared for emergencies. The role also included responsibility for the council’s IT services, including oversight of the cyber security strategy, helping ensure that council systems and residents’ data were protected in an increasingly digital world. In addition, Karen’s portfolio included responsibility for waste services, an area that affects every household on the Island and is central to environmental protection and community wellbeing.
