Liberal Vannin leader Lawrie Hooper has set out his priorities for the next five years, with affordable housing, investment in core infrastructure, healthcare and government reform among the key pledges in his election manifesto.

Mr Hooper, who has represented Ramsey in the House of Keys since 2016, is seeking re-election at the General Election on September 24.

He said: ‘I promise to do my best, to be honest and up front and to never shy away from difficult issues, and to always put your interests first.’

A major focus of the manifesto is housing, with Liberal Vannin proposing to invest £100m over five years in affordable housing for residents.

The party says the money would be made available to local authorities and the Island’s Housing Agency to deliver homes, while also proposing reforms to first-time buyer support and the introduction of measures such as mid-rent housing and mortgage guarantees.

Mr Hooper also wants an Area Plan covering Ramsey and the North to protect the area from overdevelopment and ensure new development is appropriate.

Another central theme is what he describes as ‘getting the basics right’.

The manifesto argues that Government has placed too much emphasis on major projects while failing to properly maintain existing infrastructure.

Mr Hooper says investment should focus on roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other public assets, alongside sporting and recreational facilities.

He also proposes a new approach to healthcare, with the National Health Service becoming a ‘National Health and Care Service’ providing support throughout people’s lives.

Among his pledges are an 18-week referral-to-treatment target for Manx Care, robust waiting-time targets for GP appointments and regional wellbeing hubs.

For Ramsey, he says the future of Ramsey Cottage Hospital must be considered carefully, including whether its proposed £7m refurbishment represents the best value or whether a new facility for Ramsey and the North would be more appropriate.

‘If it is determined a replacement facility is better value for money, I would resist any attempt to reduce services or close the current buildings before this new facility is up and running,’ he said.

Education is another priority, with the manifesto calling for a properly funded statutory Additional Educational Needs Code and an Independent Education Tribunal.

Mr Hooper also wants to overhaul the student awards system, including making full student loans available which could be written off if graduates return to work on the Island for a period of time.

On the economy, he argues that the Island needs sustainable growth to provide a firm financial base for public services.

His proposals include attracting inward investment to create high-wage, high-skill jobs, supporting new economic sectors and helping businesses transition towards a Living Wage.

The manifesto also calls for reform of the rates system, replacing the current system with one based on property values.

Mr Hooper wants the next Government to introduce legislation within its first two years, alongside discounts for single residents and incentives to encourage the redevelopment of empty properties.

He also places emphasis on transparency, calling for greater openness around Government spending, contracts and decision-making.

The manifesto proposes that Government should respond promptly to Freedom of Information requests, publish open data as standard and provide clearer reporting on major projects.

Mr Hooper, who served as Minister for Health and Social Care from 2021 to 2024, says he left the Council of Ministers after disagreements with the Chief Minister and resigned from Government roles entirely in January 2026 over the decision to abandon the Living Wage.

He says his approach to politics remains focused on scrutiny and challenging Government where necessary.

Of the 61 aims in his 2021 manifesto, Mr Hooper says 29 have been fully achieved and a further 16 have been partially successful or have meaningful work under way.

He is standing for Liberal Vannin in Ramsey at the September 24 General Election.

Promoted by Liberal Vannin, The Rigs, Mount Auldyn, Ramsey, IM8 3PJ and published by Media Isle of Man (formerly Isle of Man Newspapers), 18 Finch Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2PT