Corruption in Ramsey? ‘Wholly Unfounded’, Says Commissioners

Remember that spicy-sounding corruption claim that popped up during the Ramsey local authority election campaign?

Turns out it was less ‘scandal’ and more ‘someone got the wrong end of the stick (six years ago)’.

Ramsey Town Commissioners have confirmed they launched an investigation after a candidate made allegations of corruption during hustings ahead of last Thursday’s vote (April 24).

The claim dated back to something that supposedly happened six years ago – but after speaking to several people and trawling through the records, the Commission concluded it was all completely unfounded.

The complainant has been updated, and the Commissioners say the matter is now closed.

So no, Ramsey isn’t about to become the setting for a gritty Netflix docuseries anytime soon.

Outgoing Chairman Robert Cowell said: ‘As pretty much my last act as Chairman, I’m pleased to report that these allegations have been investigated and found to have no substance.

‘Public confidence in the Commission is vital… and I’m now able to hand the baton to the new chair with a line drawn under a matter that was likely to undermine, had it been left without question.’

Basically: drama over.

In actual election news, Ramsey North voters picked six new Commissioners – Juan McGuinness led the pack with 477 votes, followed by Emma Honey, Pauline Johns-Garrett, Elizabeth Shimmin, Margaret Webb and Wilf Young.

Turnout in the ward was just 20.6%, the lowest of the five places that actually had a vote.