Proposals made to redraw map of Isle of Man electoral constituencies

A redrawing of the Manx political map which could see hundreds of Ramsey voters moved into other House of Keys constituencies has been proposed.

Boundary changes to Ayre and Michael, Middle, Garff, Peel and Glenfaba, and Ramsey have been put forward by the Isle of Man Electoral Commission.

Chairman Sally Bolton said they were needed to reflect population changes so residents have equal "voting power".

The proposals are due to be put forward in a report to Tynwald in 2024.

Since 2016, the Isle of Man has had twelve constituencies which elect two MHKs each to sit in the House of Keys, the lower branch of Tynwald.

The electoral commission was set up after the 2021 Isle of Man General Election to review issues like voter accessibility and political boundaries.

Under the proposed changes, more than 400 people in the Clifton Drive and Thornhill Park areas of north Ramsey could be moved into Ayre and Michael.

Another option could see about 680 people in the south of the town around the Stanley Mount and Ballure Road areas would be moved to Garff.

About 280 voters in the Peel and Glenfaba constituency areas of Greeba and Archallagan could be moved into neighbouring Middle in a further change.

Ms Bolton said the aim was to ensure "equal representation", with the commission working to an "ideal average" of about 6,900 people in each two-set constituency.

Both Peel and Glenfaba and Ramsey have grown to have populations of about 8,200 people.

Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson said he accepted the town had grown but was concerned the move could lead to "significant confusion".

The proposal risked disenfranchising "a large number of Ramsey residents from direct access to their democratic representatives", he added.

The commission is seeking public feedback on the plans before making its report to Tynwald.

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