28 September 2026
PO Box 986 Douglas Isle of Man IM99 2TB
Vote 2026 Politics

Ashford Tops Polls, Again

David Ashford was re-elected to the House of Keys following Thursday night’s General Election. He will be joined by Damian Ciappelli, who secured the constituency’s second seat.

Ashford topped the poll with 1,121 votes, while Ciappelli received 798 votes.

Jason Cheetham finished third with 594 votes, followed by Hugo Yates on 351, Peter Washington on 271, Janet Thommeny on 239 and Denis J Staunton on 194.

Another Term

Ashford was first elected as Member of the House of Keys for Douglas North in 2016, having previously stood unsuccessfully in a by-election in 2015. He was re-elected in 2021 and has now secured a further term.

He brings considerable ministerial experience to the new House, having served as Minister for the Department of Health and Social Care from 2018 to 2021, Minister for the Treasury from 2021 to 2022, and Minister for the Cabinet Office from 2024 to 2026.

Before entering the House of Keys, Ashford served as a Douglas Borough Councillor for Victoria Ward between 2008 and 2016. He was awarded an MBE in 2020.

New Face

Ciappelli is a Manx-born lawyer who lives in Tromode Park and qualified as a Manx Advocate in 2003, having worked in law and business both on the island and overseas.

He is Chair of the Positive Action Group, a local think-tank, and said his priorities include responsible government spending, improving healthcare and social care, affordable housing, and reliable air and sea links.

Charlie Morrey is a Broadcast & Multi Media Journalist for Manx.News and also is a Presenter on Energy FM. Charlie has previously written for Isle of Man Newspapers, magazines and also started her broadcasting career with Manx Radio.

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