JILL Wareham, the Liberal Democrats’ prospective MP, who accused Tories of being responsible for the loss of hundreds of Vestas jobs by opposing onshore wind energy, voted against wind turbines in her own patch.
The County Press can reveal Mrs Wareham, when a member of Brighstone Parish Council, was the only councillor to oppose the controversial Cheverton Down wind farm plan in May.
And at an earlier meeting, she had abstained from voting.
Speaking from the Lib Dem Party conference in Bournemouth this week, she said she had always supported the principles of having on-shore wind energy on the Island but had opposed the Cheverton Down plan on the size of turbine blades.
Mrs Wareham said it had been the Vestas issue that pushed her into a U-turn to fully support onshore schemes, including Cheverton Down.
Before being confronted with her own voting record, Mrs Wareham said earlier this week: "The Conservative councillors and Tory MP for the Island have consistently opposed wind development.
"Hundreds of highly skilled jobs have been lost as a result. Their crocodile tears over Vestas fool nobody."
Mr Turner was unavailable to respond to this but he told the CP last month he was in favour of wind turbines and other renewable energy but Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty should be protected.
Isle of Wight Council leader and Tory councillor David Pugh also refuted Mrs Wareham’s allegations.
He said: "We are realistic enough to realise nothing could have been done to prevent the loss of those jobs, which was a decision by an international company. I support wind energy but the council will consider each project on its merits."
When told of Mrs Wareham’s voting record, Conservative Association chairman Dona Ratcliff said her attacks on Conservatives were hypocritical.
"Mrs Wareham’s words are hypocritical and her views are like the wind on Cheverton Down, variable.
"During the council elections, she opposed wind turbines and now she supports them. Her current credibility rating is nil."
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk