Candidates standing for Douglas North

Seven candidates will be standing in the general election for the Douglas North constituency.

Predominantly bordered by Onchan, Garff and Middle, Douglas North acts as a bridge between the built-up city areas and the more rural surrounding parishes.

It includes the Douglas Lawn Cemetery towards its upper border, and its divide with Onchan to the right is marked by the TT course through Signpost and Governors.

Largely residential, it encompasses the largest housing estate managed by Douglas Council – in Willaston - as well as developments in the Governor's Hill area.

Its boundary also includes the Tromode Industrial Estate, as well as the Department of Home Affairs and Civil Defence Headquarters.

The constituency borders Douglas East along Glencrutchery Road and also includes University College Isle of Man and the island's crematorium.

The constituency had a population of 6,367, according to Electoral Commission figures from 2023. As of October 2025, 4,627 people were registered to vote.

The election follows the death in August of Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh, who was elected 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: Politician and former project director

Electoral history: Previously contested the by-election in 2015 in Douglas North, elected MHK for Douglas East in 2016 and 2021 (current cabinet office minister)

Occupation: Accountant and tax consultant

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

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

Government Spending – this must be controlled and reduced. As with any individual, business or organisation, the easiest way to increase wealth is to cut spending, rather than try to increase revenue.

Controlled immigration – immigration that works for the Island, that adds benefit to the community and economy rather than being a burden on it.

Security for now and for our future generations in terms of healthcare, energy, our environment, housing and the businesses and people who call the Isle of Man home.

Why I am the right candidate:

I am 40 years old. I have a degree in Business Management, postgraduate legal qualifications, having completed the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC), providing me with extensive training in law and legal practice.

I also hold accountancy qualifications and since 2019, have run my own small accountancy firm here on the Isle of Man, working with local and UK-based individuals and businesses.

Over the past few years, I have spent a great deal of time observing the Island, our economy and our government. I keep finding myself asking: What could make the Island better? What does our local community want to see? How can we strengthen our economy? What can we do to help businesses succeed? And, most importantly, what changes are needed in government to better meet the needs of our community?

I feel that I cannot simply sit back and do nothing. I want to make a difference to my Island, our Island, not just for the people who live here today, but for our children, their children, and generations to come.

Occupation: Advocate

Electoral history: Previously contested the election 2021 in Douglas North

Occupation: Local businessman

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

Occupation: Retired mental health professional

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

Occupation: Retired government worker

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

Occupation: Works in IT infrastructure management for a multinational financial company

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

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

I am 47, a husband and father of two. I have lived on the Island for 20 years and in Governors Hill for nine. I manage part of the IT infrastructure for a multinational financial firm. I have no current business interests on or off the Island.

I am standing because government should work for residents, not itself. I will not promise the moon on a stick.

Why I am standing, and what I will do: I want young families to have a realistic chance of a home here. That means Island residents and first-time buyers first and a stop or limit on external buyers treating houses as assets.

I want sensible immigration and proper controls that protect housing, jobs and services. You do not grow an economy by opening the door and dropping the safeguards.

The Steam Packet is a lifeline. One price for everyone, as cheap as we can make it. Passengers and freight first. Energy projects must deliver real financial and cultural benefit to the Isle of Man.

Less red tape so money reaches frontline health, schools and services.

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