First results declared Isle of Man general election

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First results declared Isle of Man general election

A sign reads polling station with an arrow, there is a Manx flag flying in the background.
ByRebecca Brahde and Catherine NicollIsle of Man
  • Published

Onchan has been the first constituency to declare elected candidates in the 2026 general election, followed closely by Douglas South.

Onchan has elected scientist Rachel Glover and Rob Callister keeps his seat, meaning that former education minister Julie Edge has not been re-elected.

Meanwhile, both Sarah Maltby and Claire Christian keep their seats in the first of the four constituencies in the capital to declare.

There are 82 candidates contesting the election for the 24 seats available in the House of Keys.

Elected

Headshots of Rob Callister and Rachel Glover.Image source, Rob Callister/Rachel Glover

Rob Callister said on Facebook that he was “deeply grateful and honoured” to have been re-elected, adding, “tomorrow, I get back to work”.

The outgoing MHK Julie Edge told Manx Radio: “I have worked really hard for the people of Onchan, and I have delivered, but the results are what they are.”

Edge, who served a spell as education minister during the outgoing administration, said she would continue with her work on whistleblowing.

Sarah Maltby and Claire Christian.Image source, Sarah Maltby/Claire Christian

In Douglas South, Claire Christian said she was “really thrilled” with the “really wonderful result.

Christian, who is the current health minister, added: “I want to thank the electorate.”

Exit poll predictions

Exit polls conducted by Manx Radio predict seven outgoing MHKs will lose their seats, three of whom are current members of the Council of Ministers.

They suggest outgoing Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber, Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine, and Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston have lost their seats.

Former ministers Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper and Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood, and deputy speaker of the Keys are also predicted to lose their seats.

In Ayre and Michael, the exit polls predict that Chief Minister Alfred Cannan is in a fight to retain his place in the House of Keys, with only 1% between him and the candidate in third.

Overall the exit polls suggest there will be 15 new MHKs, including eight women, down from 10 elected in 2021.

A third of the seats in the Keys are not being contested by outgoing MHKs, which means there is guaranteed to be eight new faces in Tynwald.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew: Kirrie Jenkins and too close to call between Jason Moorhouse and Steve Crowther.

Ayre and Michael: Stephen Broad and too close to call between Alfred Cannon and Phil Corkhill

Douglas Central: Peter Shimmin and Chris Thomas

Douglas East: Andy Saunders and too close to call between Joney Faragher and Dave Mackey

Douglas North: David Ashford and Damien Ciappelli

Garff: Richard Henthorne and Aishlinn Creer

Glenfaba and Peel: Katryna Baptist and Geoffrey Pugh

Middle: Jane Poole-Wilson and James Cochrane

Ramsey: Juan McGuinness and Robert Cowell

Rushen: Michael Crowe and too close to call between Mark Kemp and Simon Williams

Among the issues dominating the election in 2026 were keeping young people on the island, the availability and cost of housing, wind farms, healthcare waiting times, and the impacts of spiralling expenses for small businesses.

Voting took place across the island from 08:00 BST on Thursday until the polls closed at 20:00.

Those who have been elected as a Member of the House of Keys (MHK) will be sworn in on Tuesday by the first and second deemsters.

The House of Keys will then sit on 13 October to nominate a chief minister and speaker of the House of Keys.

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