Profile

Having attained an Engineering degree at Cambridge University and later an MBA with the Open University, I have worked in business on the Isle of Man for over 20 years. This has included responsibility for setting up offices worldwide and implementing systems and processes to enable companies to expand and become more efficient.

I was elected a Peel Commissioner in 2009 and have served as Chairman four times. It is a privilege to serve the people of Peel, bringing people together to make things better, such as creating a playground at Clothworkers School, regenerating areas of the town such as Marine Parade, improving Commissioner Housing, providing more recycling sites, promoting more events such as the Soapbox Derby to attract visitors, harrowing the beach, reducing costs, whilst at the same time offering free library membership, free WIFI and free tennis courts. I was first elected as MHK in a by-election in September 2015.

Since being re-elected as MHK in 2016, I have been appointed Minister for Infrastructure. Previously have I have been a departmental member in the DHSC with responsibility for Children and Families and in the Department of Infrastructure (Ports). In April 2016 I was elected Chairman to the Isle of Man Post Office. I am also chair of the Peel Regeneration Committee, a member on the International Development Committee and Vice-chair on the Public Services Commission. Work in Children Services includes Early Help, where families receive specialist support as an early intervention. This is leading to savings in the budget as its prevents problems later on. Work in ports includes looking at the replacement of the Liverpool Landing Stage, airport radar as well as being a member of the Sea Services Strategic Working Group.

Being involved in local life is very important to me; I am Chairman of the Peel Heritage Trust, Vice-president of the Peel Gardeners’ Association, Committee Member of Western Live At Home, and a member of Peel Golf Club and Western Athletics. More widely, I am support the Manx Wildlife Trust and Manx National Heritage. I enjoy running and have completed the London and Paris marathons for charity. I play saxophone with the Manx Saxophone Ensemble and have entered the Parish Walk, finishing at Peel several times and completing it twice. I am married to Adele and my son, Nathan, studies at QE2.

My Approach

My approach is to be open, transparent and always ready to listen through surgeries, newsletters and the website.

My belief is that the way forward is working together to succeed in these tough times.