A senior surgeon with more than 15 years of experience on the island has announced he will stand for election to the House of Keys in the Middle constituency.
Andre Risha, a resident of Middle, is campaigning on a platform of “Putting the island First” with urgent reforms to the Manx NHS, the housing crisis and government spending.
“I see the strengths of our community every day, but I also see the severe pressures people are under—and those pressures extend far beyond the hospital doors,” Mr Risha said.
The surgeon is calling for an end to what he describes as “cosy arrangements” regarding public funds. He wants to broaden the membership of the Public Accounts Committee to ensure greater transparency.
Alice in Wonderland
Mr Risha has pledged to tackle the “Mad March” spend, which he called the “Alice in Wonderland” approach to government finance where departments are penalised for underspending.
He also advocates for restricting speculative property purchasing, drawing on successful models in the Channel Islands.
On public sector growth, he said difficult decisions are required to control bureaucracy and promote private investment. He is also pushing for tourism VAT reform, arguing the current 5% rate restricted to accommodation is insufficient.
“If we are to protect our financial security for future generations, action has to be taken now to bring about good governance for the residents of the Isle of Man,” Mr Risha stated.
So far Mr Risha is the only person to declare they are standing for the constituency and sitting MHKs Stu Peters and Jane Poole-Wilson have yet to formally announce their intentions.
If you are planning to stand in this year’s election, let us know by emailing newsdesk@manx.news.