Candidates standing for Garff

Nine candidates will be standing in the general election for the Garff constituency.

Bringing together Laxey, Lonan and Maughhold with part of the rural section of the Onchan parish, Garff dominates the island's eastern coast.

It features notable structures from the island's industrial heritage, including the Great Laxey Wheel and Laxey Glen Mills – both designed by Robert Casement.

As well as the Laxey Valley, its boundary covers the eastern side of the island's only mountain, Snaefell, which played a key part in Manx mining history and was the site of its worst mining disaster.

The constituency boasts two restored Victorian miniature railways, the Great Laxey Mines Railway and Groudle Glen Railway, and much of the Manx Electric Railway.

Situated near the northern end of a largely rural constituency, Maughold churchyard contains one of the island's largest collections of early Christian and Viking stones.

The constituency had a population of 6,487, according to the Electoral Commission's 2023 report. As of October 2025, 5,217 people were registered to vote.

Andrew Smith has announced he will not be contesting the seat he won in the constituency in 2021.

The BBC has invited all candidates to submit a minute manifesto in which they explain why they would be a good MHK and their three main priorities.

Occupation: Commercial Manager

Electoral history: Previously contested the election 2016 in Onchan, the by-election in 2020 in Douglas South (currently a member of Onchan Commissioners)

Why are you the right candidate and what are your top three priorities?

The 1st job of Government is to serve the people.

I am the Chairman of Onchan Commissioners and have served the people of Onchan for ten years. That is more than 1000 hours of my time in meetings plus many more dealing with constituent issues.

Almost a third of Garff is made up of Onchan ratepayers for voting in the general election. It's important that Garff has someone with a proven track record in local government and commercial experience, who understands that serving the people is the number one priority.

My responsibilities don't stop at the Onchan border- Lonan, Baldrine, Laxey and Maughold will get my full attention and support.

I will listen, work and deliver for everyone in Garff.

Occupation: Retired firefighter

Electoral history: Has not contested a House of Keys election before

Occupation: Politician and former journalist and civil servant

Electoral history: Elected MHK for Garff in 2016 and 2021 (current education, sport and culture minister)

Occupation: Former executive assistant

Electoral history: Has not contested a House of Keys election before (currently a member of Garff Commissioners)

Occupation: Former solicitor

Electoral history: Has not contested a House of Keys election before

Occupation: Business owner

Electoral history: Has not contested a House of Keys election before (currently a member of Garff Commissioners)

Occupation: Owns and runs a business

Electoral history: Has not contested a House of Keys election before

Occupation: Farmer and gardener

Electoral history: Has not contested a House of Keys election before

Occupation: Retired mechanical engineer

Electoral history: Elected MHK for Garff in a 2016. Previously contested the election in 2021

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