An unsuccessful election candidate facing an harrasment charge has temporarily stepped down from the board of Onchan District Commissioners.

Oliver Lockwood came bottom of the poll in Onchan, securing only 50 votes.

Two days earlier, he had appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood charged with harassment and a public order offence.

The 45-year-old, of Main Road, Onchan, was granted bail, with conditions not to contact the complainants.

Following a meeting with the chairman, vice-chairman and chief executive of Onchan District Commissioners, Mr Lockwod issued a statement saying that in light of current legal proceedings, he had taken the decision to ‘step away temporarily from active involvement’ in the business of the local authority while the matter is ongoing.

He added: ‘While I will remain a duly elected member of the board, I will not be taking an active role in authority matters until the legal process has concluded.

‘The decision is intended to allow the legal proceedings to run their course without unnecessary distraction from the work of the authority.

‘I remain committed to serving the residents of Onchan and will make no further public comment on the matter while the proceedings remain ongoing.’

Mr Lockwood was elected to Onchan District Commissioners in an uncontested election in April last year.

Following his election defeat Mr Lockwood said this was not the end to his political ambitions.

He claimed on his Facebook page that he had been approached on social media by an officer at the Department of Infrastructure.

‘I think they want me to lead on their work on local government pensions reform over the next 18 months,’ he said.

‘I will be seeking election to the Legislative Council in March 2028.’