Kate Lord‑Brennan has formally stepped away from Manx politics, closing the door on eight years in Tynwald with a detailed and candid reflection on the challenges ahead for both candidates and the Island’s political system.
As of Thursday, the Island entered its brief constitutional limbo, no elected MHKs, no constituency representation, and an open field for those preparing to contest September’s general election. Lord‑Brennan said clearing her office brought home the scale of her tenure, with files of legislative work and policy papers stretching back nearly a decade.
Thanks to Voters
She thanked the Glenfaba & Peel voters who elected her in 2021 and those who reached out after she announced she would not stand again. But she made clear she will not endorse any candidates, saying the political landscape feels “vague” and that voters deserve clarity on what hopefuls stand for, politically and policy‑wise, before polling day.
Lord‑Brennan also raised concerns about reduced hustings in the constituency. Peel and Glen Maye will host meetings, but she fears St John’s and Foxdale may miss out unless residents demand sessions. She said robust public scrutiny is essential, describing hustings as a “gruelling and humbling test” that shaped her early political development.
Expectations
She cautioned new candidates that MHKs do not “run” constituencies like mayors. Many local issues fall under local authorities, not Keys members, and major national problems often require long‑term fights in Tynwald or government departments.
Lord‑Brennan said some of the Island’s biggest frustrations, including stalled housing initiatives, stem not from a lack of political will but from structural weaknesses inside government. Departments operate as separate legal entities, she said, without sufficient overarching authority, meaning even well‑developed policies can be diluted or derailed.
Reform and Political Courage
She urged the next House of Keys to prioritise government and parliamentary reform, arguing that the Island’s systems “could serve elected representatives better” if structural issues were addressed. She criticised Tynwald’s tendency to act like a management board, calling it “tedious, expensive and ineffective”.
Lord‑Brennan said the new Keys must be prepared to confront lingering commitments from the outgoing administration and be willing to expose ideological differences early. In her view, the next parliament needs to adopt a cards‑on‑the‑table approach from day one.
Depth Over Performance
Reflecting on her own style, she admitted she was never a “social media MHK”, preferring detailed policy work over political presentation. She warned that politics cannot be reduced to narration, content creation or calls for “transparency” and “accountability” without substance behind them.
“People admire conviction and ideas to solve problems,” she wrote, adding that serious thought and developed policy positions will matter more than slogans in the years ahead.
“Good on you, and good luck over the next few weeks — your nation salutes you.”
Kate Lord-Brennan to candidates standing for election
Lord‑Brennan ended her message with encouragement for those entering the race, calling candidacy a national service of sorts: “Good on you, and good luck over the next few weeks — your nation salutes you.”
Her departure marks one of the most forthright sign‑offs of the pre‑election period, offering both a critique of the system she worked within and a challenge to those hoping to shape what comes next.
Glenfaba and Peel will have two new MHK’s as both Kate Lord-Brennan and Tim Crookall have decided not to run.
