The leader of Douglas Council has called on voters in the capital to reverse ’historically low’ turnouts in upcoming by elections.

A seat is up for grabs on the council to represent Derby ward, after previous incumbent Ferdinand Pabellan stepped down on grounds of ill health.

If more than one nomination is submitted, an election will take place on Thursday, August 9.

Council leader David Christian wants the electorate to turn out in force to participate, and ’make a real difference to the effectiveness of local government’.

The winner will join Derby ward’s two other representatives, Councillor Debbie Pitts and Councillor Colin Cain.

Mr Christian’s message comes after the Council held an open day as part of ’National Democracy Week’, to give the public insight into the local authority’s inner workings.

During the event, Mayor of the capital Jon Joughin issued a plea for more young people to consider standing for the council, to bring new ideas and ways of thinking.