Three former ministers have lost their seats in the 2026 Isle of Man general election. Former health minister Lawrie Hooper, former infrastructure minister Michelle Haywood and former education minister Julie Edge have all lost their seats. Two new members have been elected in Ramsey, with former commissioners Juan McGuinness and Robert Cowell both being elected. In Middle, Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole-Wilson topped the poll followed by James Cochrane.
In Onchan, scientist Rachel Glover has been elected and Rob Callister keeps his seat, meaning that former education minister Julie Edge has has lost hers. Peter Shimmin and Chris Thomas take the seats in Douglas Central, meaning Ann Corlett – Deputy-Speaker of the House of Keys – loses her seat. 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.
Jane Poole-Wilson told Manx Radio that she was “honoured” to be re-elected and to have served over the past five years. James Cochraine said he was “really proud” to have stood next to the other candidates in Middle. Juan McGuinness told Manx Radio that the “hard work starts now,” and Robert Cowell said he was “overwhelmed” and “very grateful” to be elected. Meanwhile the outgoing Lawrie Hooper said that although he was “disappointed” McGuinness and Cowell would do a “fantastic job”.
Hooper, who is a former health minister, said he was proud of his work to reduce waiting lists, and would now go back to being a chartered accountant. In Douglas North, David Ashford topped the polled for the third time, while Damian Ciappelli was elected to the seat previously held by John Wannenburgh, who died suddenly in August. Ciappelli told Manx Radio that he was “delighted to be elected and was “ready to get stuck in.” Peter Shimmin told Manx Radio that he wanted to “thank people for putting their trust in me” and the Isle of Man had “significant challenges, but I am optimistic about the future.” Current treasury minister Chris Thomas said he was “pleased” to be re-elected. And Ann Corlett, who lost her seat have a decade in Manx politics, said while it was “disappointing” it was also a “relief” not to be re-elected.
Michael Crowe and Mark Kemp are elected in Rushen, while former infrastructure minister Michelle Haywood loses her seat. Crowe, who topped the poll, said he was “grateful” to be elected and was “looking forward to get stuck in”. Kemp told Manx Radio: “I think people are just sick of what we’ve had,” adding that he wanted to focus on diversifying the economy. 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. 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 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 minister 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 East: Andy Saunders and too close to call between Joney Faragher and Dave Mackey Garff: Richard Henthorne and Aishlinn Creer Glenfaba and Peel: Katryna Baptist and Geoffrey Pugh 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. Tell us which stories we should cover on the Isle of Man House of Keys election contested by 82 candidates Isle of Man House of Keys election
