The current Chair of Ballaugh Commissioners has announced he is to run for the Keys. Steve Curphey has announced today that he will stand as a candidate in the for Ayre & Michael.
In his announcement he said he was motivated by a sense of responsibility and a determination to offer steady, principled representation for the constituency, emphasising that Ayre and Michael “deserves a voice that listens, acts, and always puts the interests of our community and our Island first.”
Curphey, who has served as a Ballaugh Parish Commissioner for five years and is currently Chairman, highlighted his experience across a range of local bodies including the Northern Parishes Refuse Collection Board, the Northern Civic Amenity Site Committee, Destination First Board and the Board of Governors of Ballaugh School. He said these roles had given him a practical understanding of community challenges and a clear view of the work still required at both local and national level.
Too many residents feel that decision-making has become distant from everyday life
Steve Curphey
His decision to stand, he said, stems from a belief that politics must remain close to the people it serves. Curphey argued that too many residents feel government has become distant and reactive, and that the Isle of Man needs representation that is accessible, accountable and prepared to lead with purpose. If elected, he intends to work across key Island issues including education, housing, security, agriculture and the green agenda, but has identified five priority areas where he believes urgent progress is needed.
Government Reform
The first is government reform, both locally and nationally. Curphey said government must listen more closely, act more effectively and be willing to revisit decisions that no longer deliver value. He also called for a departmental review, arguing that some departments have become too broad in scope. As an example, he suggested that footpaths and public rights of way may sit more naturally within DEFA alongside land management responsibilities.
Civil service reform and accountability also feature prominently in his platform. Curphey said the public must have confidence that services are being managed properly, and that responsibilities and decision‑making processes should be clearer and more efficient. On taxation, he said the Island needs a fairer and more transparent system that allows low‑ and middle‑income earners to retain more of their earnings while still protecting vulnerable residents and supporting enterprise. He stressed that competitiveness must remain central to the Island’s long‑term prosperity.
Health Budgetary Control
His fifth priority is health service budgetary control. Curphey said the Island’s health service must be properly funded but also managed with discipline, ensuring frontline services are protected and public money is spent wisely.
Curphey said his campaign will be rooted in listening to residents and standing firmly for the issues affecting individuals, families, farmers, businesses and communities across Ayre and Michael. He described the Island’s greatest strength as its people, and said that placing those strengths at the heart of decision‑making would help build a more confident and united future.
He plans to meet residents across the constituency in the coming weeks.
