Ex-MHK's son in and deputy speaker out in election

From an actor and ex-MHK's son, to a treasury minister and the songwriter behind pop anthem So Macho, there was a mixed field standing in Douglas Central.

In a nation where party politics does not dominate, the seat also saw four of the eight candidates representing parties - although none of them won a seat.

Topping the poll was Peter Shimmin - son of former MHK John Shimmin - and the second seat went to treasury minister Chris Thomas.

And although many elections see dogs at polling stations, there was some excitement when a cat made its way into the count.

Shimmin won at the expense of outgoing MHK and deputy speaker Ann Corlett.

He is an actor and theatre director who also worked in Public Health Isle of Man - including implementing the organ donation law.

After his victory, Shimmin said he was "overwhelmed" and "incredibly grateful".

He said his priorities were the economy, affordable housing and "anything that supports younger people and families, and makes the Isle of Man a great place to build your future".

Treasury minister Chris Thomas said he was "very pleased" to be elected in a "difficult constituency".

He said there were "many, many important challenges and we need to rise to them", citing issues with transport, public finances, healthcare and food security.

"Compromise is a good thing, consensus is a good thing, but we can't afford a fudge," he added.

Meanwhile, outgoing deputy speaker Ann Corlett did not keep her seat.

While she said it was "a little disappointing", she said she had a "strange sense of relief".

She said she wanted to go back to her life and do some of the things she had been planning to do.

Three political parties were represented at Douglas Central.

They included Sharon Lee Bridgens of Change, Devon Watson of the Manx Labour Party and George Hargreaves and Creena Mason of Transform Isle of Man.

Watson is the current leader of Douglas City Council and came fourth in the poll.

Meanwhile, the other two parties finished at the bottom of the table.

Bridgens came sixth, Hargreaves came seventh and Mason was in eighth.

He might not be singing after the result, but Hargreaves has made a mark in pop history - as he was the songwriter behind Sinitta's 1986 hit So Macho.

And during the count, there was a bit of a song and dance when an uninvited visitor appeared.

A large tabby cat managed to make its way into the hall. But it soon left, without causing any catastrophe during the count.

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