Ayre and Michael will have another contender in September’s House of Keys General Election, with Stephen Broad confirming he will stand for the constituency.
Broad, a lifelong Manx resident and haulage and crane‑hire business owner, said he is entering the election because he is “extremely concerned about the current and future trajectory of the Isle of Man.
He says the present system of government has become “cumbersome and inefficient,” claiming bureaucracy is stifling private‑sector businesses.
Broad said affordable housing must be a priority to help young people stay or return to the island, calling for a simpler, less bureaucratic route to convert empty commercial buildings into homes.
He also highlighted pressures on infrastructure, healthcare and schools, and said secondary legislation linked to the 2001 Residence Act should be implemented to support population control.
A former Special Constable of more than 30 years, Broad said rural policing in Ayre and Michael has become “invisible,” and stressed the value of community policing.
He also pointed to past involvement in legal aid reform, transport regulation and supporting vulnerable young people.
Broad said he will spend the coming months meeting constituents and hearing concerns ahead of the September poll.
Mary Phillips, Julia Bell and Paul Weatherall have previously declared their intention to stand in the election.
Sitting MHKs Alf Cannan and Tim Johnston have not announced their intentions.
