The Pier Stays but Ramsey is Still Likely to be Carved Up

The electoral commission has decided against recommending that an area of Ramsey, including its historic Queens Pier, be moved into the Garff constituency.

This is only for the House of Keys constituency and is not impacted by the ongoing ‘land-grab’ bid by the local authority.

Across the island, despite calls from some to make Onchan one constituency again, there are only two proposed changes, being that part of Ramsey join Ayre and Michael and that part of Glenfaba and Peel join Middle.

The report highlights that both populations have increased so that there are now more voters per MHK in those constituencies than in the rest of the island.

The Electoral Commission chair, Sally Bolton said: ‘The Commission was mindful that the existing boundaries and structure of 12 two-seat constituencies has only been in place for two General Elections and felt it important to recommend only the most necessary changes.’

Since the 2016 General Election the Isle of Man has had twelve constituencies for the House of Keys, each with approximately the same population and each returning two MHKs following a general election.

The proposal for Ramsey is for Thronhill Park, Marlborough Cresent, Marlborough Way, most of Clifton Drive, Gibbs Grove and Park, Romney Wynd, Westhill Village, Close Oard and Reayrt Ny Sleityn to move into Ayre and Michael.

The other shift in boundaries on the island will potentially see part of Glenfaba and Peel moved to Middle.

However, with continued development taking place within and around the island’s towns, the Commission notes that it is likely that recommendations for significant constituency changes may be needed by the time of the next boundary review.