The Douglas South by-election will take place on August 27.

Both seats in the House of Keys constituency are empty after the death of Bill Malarkey and Kate Costain’s decision to resign.

Prospective candidates must submit their nomination papers to the returning officer between 10am on Wednesday, July 22, and 1pm on Wednesday, July 29.

Four people have so far announced they intend to stand in Douglas South.

Michael Josem, the chairman of the Liberal Vannin Party, announced he would stand this afternnon.

He says he is a volunteer and member of many local community organisations such as the Isle of Man Foodbank, Douglas Rugby Club, Isle of Man Business Network, Douglas Basketball Club, Friends of Manx National Heritage, Manx Netball Association, Positive Action Group, Isle of Man Basketball Association, Isle of Man Woodland Trust, Castletown Hockey Club and the Celtic League.

Fashion designer Claire Christian, who sits as a volunteer on the Business Agency Board for the Department of Enterprise, as the sector champion for small businesses, announced she was standing on Tuesday.

Two other candidates has already announced their intention to stand.

Company director Kevin Oliphant-Smith has previously served as a Douglas councillor for six months, and last stood for office in a Malew Commissioners by-election, in which he came fifth, collecting 79 votes.

Ian-James Clanton, who is also known as HM Sole, is the fourth candidate. He announced he wanted to become an MLC at the last election, but he was not nominated.

He advocates a more independent island.