Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper and Ayre and Michael MHK Tim Baker have announced they intend to stand in September’s House of Keys general election.

Mr Hooper, who is now the only member of political party Liberal Vannin currently in the House of Keys, was first elected to represent Ramsey in the 2016 general election and is a Department for Enterprise and Cabinet Office member.

He said: ’It has been my honour and privilege to represent the people of Ramsey over the last nine years, first as a commissioner and now as a member of the House of Keys.

’When I asked you to trust me with your vote back in 2016 I told you my reason for standing was that I could not sit by and ignore the scale of the challenges we faced.

’At the time my thoughts were on Brexit and the financial challenges facing the island.

’No one could have predicted that in 2021 we would still only be dealing with the initial aftermath of the Brexit vote and for sure no one could have predicted the coronavirus pandemic and the devastating impact it has had around the world.

’My reasons for seeking re-election are very much the same. Whilst there have been many successes over the last five years, the scale of the challenge now before us is almost unprecedented and will no doubt bring significant changes as we continue to face the unknown.’

Mr Hooper, who has a degree from Keele University and worked as a chartered accountant before joining the Keys, added: ’As I’ve said time and time again, whatever challenges we face our government cannot lose sight of the people that it is empowered to govern. Too often decisions can be made, often with the best of intentions, that unfairly impact on those least able to bear the burden.

’This is why I, along with my Liberal Vannin colleagues, will be asking the next government to focus on four core principles - jobs, fairness, open government and freedom.’

His two predecessors as leader of Liberal Vannin have stood for chief minister.

But Mr Hooper said he wouldn’t seek the position if he were re-elected.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker, an MHK for Ayre and Michael, was also first elected in 2016, and is chair of the Manx Utilities Authority (MUA) and Isle of Man Meats.

Mr Baker, a chartered accountant and Cambridge economics graduate, told the Courier: ’I’ve had five years of being one of the two MHKs for Ayre and Michael, and I think I’ve done a good job in the roles I’ve been given - I’m delighted to have been made Infrastructure Minister last year.

’I think my experience over the last five years will be really helpful in order to tackle some big challenges as we move out of the Covid pandemic situation and into a "new world" order.

’I’ve taken on some really tough portfolios - chairing Isle of Man Meats, taking on the DoI Minister role and being chair of the MUA.

’I haven’t let people of Ayre and Michael down and I won’t.’

The House of Keys general election will take place on September 23. All 24 seats are up for grabs.

lIf you are planning to stand email [email protected]