Mark Kemp has formally announced his intention to stand for the House of Keys in Rushen at the 2026 General Election. His opening statement sets out a detailed critique of the Island’s current direction and a wide‑ranging agenda for reform.
Urgent Need For New Blood in Keys
Kemp, a Rushen native and long‑time community volunteer, says his decision to run again is driven not by personal political ambition but by what he describes as an urgent need for “new blood in the Keys” and a government that “works for the people, spends public money wisely, and plans for the future.”
In his statement, Kemp emphasises his multi‑sector background — spanning finance, business ownership, education and local government — and argues that this experience gives him a practical understanding of how organisations function, how legislation is applied, and where public money is being mismanaged. “I understand how organisations work, how money is spent and where things can go wrong,” he writes.
Kemp previously secured more than 1,100 votes in the 2021 General Election placing him within touching distance of a seat. The result established him as one of the constituency’s most competitive voices. His renewed campaign builds on that foundation, aiming to convert substantial past support into representation for the people of Rushen in 2026.
Legislative direction and governance concerns
A major theme of Kemp’s announcement is his concern about what he sees as a growing trend toward UK alignment in Manx legislation. He describes 2023 as a “tipping point” and calls for a renewed focus on Manx‑made law and stronger protections for free speech. “We need to pull back from that direction of travel and start legislating for ourselves again,” he says.
He also reveals he is developing a Manx Integrity and Resilience Act — a constitutional framework intended to anchor good governance and limit what he describes as “the will of CoMin and external influences.”
Public finances, capital projects and Manx Care
Kemp’s statement highlights what he believes are systemic failures in financial management, citing Manx Care’s budget growth and overspends, capital project overruns, and the financial drain of the Manx Development Corporation. He proposes repositioning the latter as a Manx Development and Skills Corporation to support trades and brownfield development.
He also reiterates his support for a forensic audit of Manx Care and ongoing whistleblowing reforms.
Farming, supply chains and Net Zero
Kemp is sharply critical of DEFA’s approach to farming and Net Zero, arguing that producers are “dwindling” and that recent energy policy commitments are based on “implausible” emergency scenarios. He opposes both onshore and offshore wind turbines and calls for a full reassessment of long‑term energy strategy before committing to “irreversible and expensive infrastructure decisions.”
Housing, local authorities and community safety
Although recently relocated to Ballasalla due to housing availability, Kemp stresses his continued ties to Rushen and says housing affordability is now a “legacy issue.” He pledges support for local authorities, more social housing, and a return to visible community policing — criticising Home Affairs’ shift toward digital policing.
He also commits to supporting Castle Rushen High School improvements and retaining Ballafesson town hall as a community asset.
Mental health and community cohesion
Kemp warns of rising pressures on mental health, citing the economic cost of suicide and the loss of community hubs. He argues that strong communities, meaningful employment and a sense of belonging are as important as healthcare services in measuring an economy’s strength.
Campaign outlook
Kemp says he is “ready to work from day one” and will publish his manifesto in August. He encourages voters to ask searching questions of all candidates — including himself — about what they have delivered and how they intend to achieve change.
“Put your island in safe hands. Vote Kemp in 2026 and reclaim your island.”
Mark Kemp, Candidate for Rushen
