A total of six MHKs that served in the House of Keys from 2021 to 2026 have decided not to stand again in this year’s General Election.

Tim Glover (Arbory, Castletown and Malew), Alex Allinson (Ramsey), Andrew Smith (Garff), Stu Peters (Middle), Kate Lord-Brennan and Tim Crookall (Glenfaba and Peel) all announced that they either could not stand or did not want to stand again.

This means that eight of the MHKs who served between 2021 and 2026 will definitely not be elected as MHKs in Thursday’s General Election, following Juan Watterson (Rushen) being named as President of Tynwald and the sad death of John Wannenburgh (Douglas North) in August.

But why did former MHKs decide not to stand again? And what are their thoughts on the current state of Manx politics?

Speaking to Media Isle of Man, Dr Alex Allinson, who served as a Ramsey MHK for 10 years between 2016 and 2026, said he wanted to spend more time with family and friends.

‘I was a Ramsey Town Commissioner for eight years and MHK for 10, and I have always believed that you should commit to any role offered to you,’ he said.

‘The last six years as government Minister have been incredibly rewarding, but have also meant I have had to put my job ahead of spending time with my family and friends.

‘Whilst I have no regrets about my professional life, I came to the decision with my family that now was the time to step back from national politics to reconnect.’

Asked for his thoughts on Manx politics, Dr Allinson added: ‘Manx politics remains rooted in local communities and Tynwald is still authentic as a representative parliament.

‘However, perceptions have altered, often driven by short-term attitudes and critical feeds spread through social media.

‘With increasing lobbying by special interest groups it is important that we strengthen our democracy and make it more resilient to external interference.’

Meanwhile, in Arbory, Castletown and Malew, Tim Glover said he is stepping back because of his wife’s ill health.

‘That was the biggest factor,’ he said. ‘But since finishing, aside from continuing as Office of Fair Trading chair, I have realised just how run down I was which has surprised me - it really is a full-on job.

‘You have to have real attention to detail in everything you do. The amount of reading you need to do is immense and was more than I expected.

‘The next five years for Manx politics are critical. I hope the next administration will be more about action rather than yet more surveys and consultation.’

Kate Lord-Brennan, in Glenfaba and Peel, announced back in July that she would not be standing as she ‘wished to return to the private sector’.

She said: ‘In my heart of hearts, I arrived at this decision some time ago. Public service will remain important to me, and I will continue to take an interest in the future of the constituency, and the island.

‘The island needs serious politics, strong representation and people who are prepared to engage closely with difficult and complex issues. I hope that those principles will still feature at the heart of our public life.’

Media Isle of Man contacted Stu Peters, Andrew Smith and Tim Crookall for comment, but did not receive a response.