A former general election candidate has been elected unopposed to Braddan Parish Commissioners.

Alf Caine, who received 655 votes in the recent House of Keys election, welcomed the news after the official Notice of Result was published on Wednesday, November 4.

He said he was delighted to be joining the board and looked forward to working with fellow commissioners and staff on behalf of Braddan residents.

Mr Caine has owned and farmed at Castleward Farm since 1987 and said he had followed parish affairs closely, attending commissioners' meetings over the years.

He thanked those who encouraged him to stand and the voters who supported him in the general election.

‘Your support meant a great deal to me and gave me the encouragement to continue working on behalf of our community,’ he said.

In a statement, Mr Caine said the commitments in his general election manifesto would remain his priorities for Braddan.

These include listening to residents, managing public finances responsibly, seeking value for money and keeping rates under control wherever possible.

He also pledged to protect and improve local facilities and services, and to take practical decisions in the interests of the parish.

Mr Caine said he hoped to bring his business experience and a practical approach to his new role.

Despite being returned without a contest, he stressed that he wanted residents to feel able to raise concerns and suggest improvements.

‘Although I have been elected unopposed, I want to make it clear that my door will always be open,’ he said.

He invited residents to contact him about local issues, offering to arrange home visits or meetings at The Roundhouse.

‘I believe the best way to serve our community is to listen to the people who live here,’ he added.