July Local Authority election date approved

A date for this year’s local authority elections has been approved, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands.

Clerks have been told to prepare for the ballot to go ahead on Thursday, 22 July.

The Department of Infrastructure has yet to confirm an official date.

However, sources, supported by leaked emails from the Local Government Unit, say the public notice is due to be published on the week commencing 14 June.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker revealed the working date for the twice-delayed vote was the 22 July, but there was ‘a process to go through’ before any formal announcement.

Tynwald members supported postponing the election in March 2020 – and again 12 months later – due to problems arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Isle of Man’s 21 local authorities are responsible for issues such as refuse collection, street lighting and parking.

All seats on commissioners boards and councils across the Island will be contested should enough candidates come forward.

You can find out more information on the elections, including how to stand, online at gov.im.