Jonathan Bacon qualified as a barrister in 1989 and built a career practising in Criminal and Personal Injury Law before moving into postgraduate skills-based teaching and course management. Alongside his legal career, he has extensive experience in tourism, retail and events management, and continues to support a number of charitable organisations, particularly in the fields of education and the environment.
Jonathan has served as a parish councillor since 2006 and was first elected to the Isle of Wight Council in 2009. Over more than a decade in local government, he has held a range of Cabinet member roles and previously served as Leader of the Council from 2015 to 2017. He was re‑elected as Leader in May 2026. From 2017 to 2021, he chaired the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, helping to secure UNESCO Biosphere status for the Island.
Jonathan has welcomed the establishment of the HSCCA as an important step forward, creating a framework for councils and partners to work more closely together on shared regional priorities such as transport, skills, economic development and investment.
A central focus of Jonathan’s work within the HSCCA is ensuring that the Isle of Wight’s distinct needs are fully recognised and represented. In particular, he has highlighted the critical importance of improving the Island’s connectivity to the mainland, recognising its impact on residents, businesses and the local economy.
Jonathan is committed to using the opportunities presented by devolution and the combined authority to secure long-term benefits for the Island. This includes strengthening transport links, supporting local skills and employment, attracting investment, and ensuring that economic growth across the wider region delivers tangible outcomes for Island communities. Through collaborative working with regional partners, he aims to ensure that the Isle of Wight is both fully integrated into, and benefits directly from, the strategic ambitions of the HSCCA.
Find out more about Cllr Jonathan Bacon’s role at the Isle of Wight council.
