Candidates standing for Ayre and Michael

Eight candidates will be standing in the general election for the Ayre and Michael constituency.

The largest of the House of Keys constituencies by land mass, the area covers the northern and north-western parishes.

Largely rural, it includes the local authority areas of Andreas, Bride, Jurby, Ballaugh, Lezayre and Michael. Its boundary also extends to Snaefell, the island's only mountain.

The main road through the constituency, the A3 Castletown to Ramsey Road, is part of the 37.7 mile (61km) Isle of Man TT course, which passes through the villages of Kirk Michael, Ballaugh and Sulby.

The constituency is home to Jurby Airfield, a former Royal Air Force station that was used during World War Two and is now home to an industrial estate and motorsport facilities.

Boundary reforms brought into force in 2016 saw the former separate constituencies of Ayre and Michael merged into one as part of a bid to create equality of representation.

There are 5,064 registered voters combined in the polling areas, with a general population for the area recorded at 6,319 by the Electoral Commission in 2023.

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: Nurse and psychological therapist

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

Occupation: Company director of crane hire and road haulage firms

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

Occupation: Politician and former businessman

Electoral history: Elected MHK for Michael in 2006, and MHK for Ayre and Michael in 2016 and 2021 (current chief minister)

Occupation: Runs a construction firm

Electoral history: Previously contested the election in 2021 in Ayre and Michael (currently a member of Jurby Commissions)

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

My three priorities are the economy, reforming government and pensions, because all three continue to have a major impact on how much we draw from our reserves.

I believe I'm the right candidate because I'm not afraid to ask difficult questions, challenge the way things are done, and I know when something doesn't add up.

I care about our communities, the future of the Isle of Man, and ensuring it remains a prosperous, sustainable place for my children and everyone else's to call home.

I'll listen, speak up and work hard to get things done. Ultimately, the people of Ayre & Michael will decide whether I'm the right candidate.

Occupation: Management consultant

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

Occupation: Politician and former farmer

Electoral history: Elected MHK for Ayre and Michael in 2021 (current minister for enterprise)

Occupation: Lollipop lady and dinner lady

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

Occupation: Retired

Electoral history: Previously contested the election in 2021 in Ayre and Michael (currently a member of Ballaugh Commissioners)

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

Ayre and Michael is a large, rural area containing the best agricultural land on the Island and supporting a diversity of wildlife in its many nature reserves and around its outstanding coastline. If elected, I will do my best to ensure that both agriculture and our natural environment are supported and protected.

My top three priorities for government are:

• Building more affordable homes for sale and rent;
• Improving health and social care;
• Supporting businesses to grow and prosper.

To achieve anything in government requires both dedication and a willingness to co-operate with others. I have a wealth of experience in both, and ask for your support and vote at the election in September. Together, we can make a difference.

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