Islanders are being encouraged to stand in the local authority general elections, which are set to take place on Thursday July 22.

Each of the 21 local authorities in the island are seeking new members to serve their boards in the elections, which have been postponed twice because of the pandemic.

Douglas Council has called for people to ’help to deliver for Douglas’ by standing for election.

Following the council’s resolution and agreement from Tynwald to reduce the number of councillors from 18 to 12, and the number of wards from six to four, with effect from April 22, there will be 12 vacant seats on the council, divided between the four wards of Douglas: Central, East, North and South. These are aligned with the House of Keys constituencies to eliminate confusion.

Council leader David Christian said: ’To stand in this local election is a unique opportunity to be at the beginning of a new, more entrepreneurial democratic process to deliver for Douglas.

’As a councillor you will have a shared responsibility with your fellow members for the wide range of services Douglas Council provides, as well as for operating within and scrutinising committee budgets and developing policies.’

He added: ’Importantly, as a democratically elected Douglas councillor you will be in a unique position to contribute to the future economic, environmental and social wellbeing of your town and to make a real difference to people’s lives.’

One new candidate is Steven Crellin, who is standing in Douglas South.

Mr Crellin, who has lived in Douglas South for 53 years, said: ’I feel I can now start to give something back and ensure the all the residents of Douglas South receive good quality service and value for money.’

Whilst the council is calling for new faces to step forward, more experienced councillors have announced they are to step down.

After more than two decades of service, Douglas councillor and four-time mayor Ritchie McNicholl has decided not to seek re-election.

Mr McNicholl was first elected to Douglas Council in 1993 and currently serves as chair of the environmental services committee.

Candidates’ nomination forms and information packs are available from Douglas town hall, and ’drop-in’ sessions with officers of the council will take place on June 17 and June 24 between 4 and 7pm.

The deadline for submitting completed nomination papers to the chief executive’s department at Douglas town hall is 5pm on Tuesday, June 29.