Laurence Vaughan‑Williams has confirmed he will contest the Rushen seat in the 2026 House of Keys General Election.
Vaughan‑Williams, who has served as a Port St Mary Commissioner since 2017, also chairs the Southern Swimming Pool Board and the Port St Mary Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The advocate established his own legal practice in the constituency in 1999.
Announcing his candidacy, he said many people across the island, “the silent majority”, feel their voices are no longer being heard and are increasingly disenchanted with current policies and political leadership.
He said he intends to stand on what he describes as a non‑nanny‑state platform, adding: “The Government should serve the people, not the people serve the Government.”
Rushen Seat
He set out several priorities for his campaign, including opposition to onshore and offshore windfarm developments while supporting practical and environmentally responsible energy policies.
He also highlighted justice and prison reform, arguing that too many young people receive criminal records for relatively minor offences, and called for expanded treatment and recovery services for drug and alcohol addiction.
Vaughan‑Williams said he wants to ensure the long‑promised redevelopment of the Castle Rushen school, swimming pool and sports hub is delivered, describing the current situation, with some pupils taught in portacabins, as unacceptable.
He also raised concerns about housing affordability and living standards for younger generations, saying this may be the first peacetime period in which prosperity is declining and inequality increasing. Reducing regulation on small businesses and encouraging island‑wide economic growth will also form part of his platform.
“A vote for me is for common sense solutions and against vanity projects and over‑regulation,” he said.
Further campaign announcements are expected in due course.
Sitting Rushen MHKs Michelle Haywood and Juan Watterson have yet to declare their intentions regarding re-election.
Simon Williams has also declared his intention to stand in Rushen.
