Tributes have continued to be paid across Tynwald following the sudden passing of John Wannenburgh MHK, with members describing him as kind‑hearted, larger‑than‑life and a deeply supportive colleague.
Onchan MHK Rob Callister said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, recalling their regular catch‑ups throughout almost the entire five‑year administration.
He said Wannenburgh often stopped by his office for a chat, usually asking for a cup of tea, and that walking past Wannenburgh’s office today felt “especially strange” as belongings were being packed ahead of the dissolution of the House of Keys.
Callister described Wannenburgh as a man with a “wicked sense of humour” who showed great warmth and generosity.
He said he would never forget Wannenburgh’s support during Callister’s formal apology to Tynwald in March 2023, adding: “I will always be grateful for his friendship and encouragement. He was an absolute gentleman.”
A Kind Hearted Man
Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper said he was “shocked and extremely saddened”, calling Wannenburgh “larger than life” and praising his kind and thoughtful company.
“I’m grateful to have been able to call him a friend,” he said.
Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Tim Glover also paid tribute, offering condolences to Wannenburgh’s wife Lisa, their three boys, and wider family.
Glover said Wannenburgh was aware of his opposition to the Earystane onshore wind farm and arranged regular meetings so Glover could keep constituents informed.
He recalled a recent disagreement in Tynwald that upset his wife, and Wannenburgh’s immediate response was to send her a bouquet of flowers with a handwritten apology. “That’s the sign of the man John was – very kind‑hearted,” Glover said.
He added that the two shared “plenty of fun chats outside of sittings”, describing the news of Wannenburgh’s passing as “really bad”.
A Less Colourful Place Without Him
President of Tynwald Juan Watterson said he was “stunned” by the news, describing Wannenburgh as a friend and colleague who first rose to prominence through his Sports and Dining Club, which raised more than £250,000 for charity.
Watterson said Wannenburgh became synonymous with his role as Chair of Manx Utilities, always keen to share the latest “good news”, and was an active ambassador for the Island through the British‑Irish Parliamentary Assembly and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
He said Wannenburgh relished the prospect of the 2026 election as a chance to highlight his work with DHA, DEFA and the Economic Policy Review Committee.
“John took his politics seriously and prided himself on being straight‑talking,” Watterson said, “but he was also the life and soul of any party.” He added: “Tynwald is a less colourful place without him.”
