Michael Josem has been elected as the new chairman of the Liberal Vannin party at its recent AGM.

Mr Josem, originally from Australia, has lived in the island for eight-and-a-half-years and has been a member of the party for just over a year.

The party was founded by former Onchan MHK Peter Karran in 2006 and is led by Douglas South MHK Kate Beecroft.

Speaking to the Examiner, Mr Josem said he joined the party because it ’recognises that elected politicians are our representatives, not our rulers - and that the best person to control your life is you’.

He added: ’The Liberal Vannin party is going to keep fighting for the interests of the little guy.

’We’re going to keep giving a voice to the working Manx families who are facing pressures from the increasing cost of living.

’We’re going to stand up for the Isle of Man and fight for small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our economy.

’We’re going to be strong advocates for protecting the our island - economically, environmentally, and socially.’

Mr Josem said that he initially came to the Isle of Man for work, but ’fell in love with the island and the community here which is incredibly warm, welcoming and loving’.

However, while he wants to work with residents of the island, he does not currently intend to seek a political seat in the 2021 general election.

Liberal Vannin currently has two members of the House of Keys, three were elected in 2016, however Onchan MHK Julie Edge resigned from the party.

This followed the previous two elections where Bill Malarkey did the same following the 2006 election and Zac Hall 2011.

Its leaders have served in both the last two administrations, with Mrs Beecroft serving as health minister in this government and Mr Karran as education minister in the last.