One of the six candidates vying for the three vacant seats on the board of Malew Parish Commissioners has dropped out.

IT and finance professional Kurt Roosen has chosen to withdraw his candidacy and will no longer take part in the upcoming by-election, writes local democracy reporter Ewan Gawne.

However, when voters go to the polls on Thursday, September 12, Mr Roosen’s name will still appear on ballot papers, as the deadline for withdrawals has passed.

The five remaining candidates are director Nigel Bazley, retail manager Tim Chamberlain, home-maker Tanya Mackrell, director Kevin Oliphant-Smith and Isle of Man Green Party candidate Leo Cussons. The three vacant seats became available in July after chairman Bob Pilling resigned, a move swiftly followed by members Barbara and John Brereton.

Their departures meant the Ballasalla-based local authority was not quorate so could not make any decisions.

The successful candidates will join remaining commissioners, vice-chair Margaret Mansfield and Janice Knighton.