Former MHK David Quirk has begun a new chapter of his political career.

He is now a commissioner in Onchan, a position he held before he was elected to the Keys.

In yesterday’s by-election, he polled 910 votes. His rival, Kim Corlett, attracted 842 votes.

The former plumber replaces James Cherry, who resigned in October last year, and will serve a six-month term until May 2021.

The turnout for the by-election was 25%.

Issues arose with some absentee voters being sent late ballot papers, with Onchan Commissioners saying a statement would be issued in due course.

Mr Quirk, a former chairman of the Office of Fair Trading, stood four times for the Keys in Onchan unsuccessfully and finally won a seat in 2006. He lost his seat in 2016.