Stephen Broad has ended Alfred Cannan’s long run as the constituency’s leading vote winner after topping the poll in Ayre and Michael at Thursday night’s general election.
Broad secured 1,680 votes to claim the first seat, while Chief Minister Cannan was elected in second place with 1,090 votes.
The result marks a notable shift in the constituency. Cannan topped the poll in 2021 with 2,117 votes and also led the field in 2016 with 1,736 votes. He was first elected as an MHK in 2011.
A businessman from Ballaberragh Farm in Smeale, Broad campaigned on government accountability, transparency and stronger scrutiny of spending and major projects. He also called for reforms to reduce the power of the Council of Ministers and increase the influence of elected members in Tynwald.
Meanwhile, Cannan, who has served as Chief Minister since 2021, centred his campaign on what he described as securing the island’s future through government reform, economic growth, stronger border controls, healthcare improvements and support for agriculture and housing.
While both candidates were returned to the House of Keys, the headline result from Ayre and Michael was Broad’s victory at the top of the poll, ending Cannan’s position as the constituency’s leading vote winner.
The remaining unsuccessful candidares were Julia Bell, 794; Phil Corkill, 742; Steve Curphey, 279; Tim Johnston, 746; Mary Phillips, 226; Paul Weatherall (Liberal Vannin), 238.
