John Wannenburgh, a local businessman and the owner of the Sporting & Dining Club, has announced he will stand in September’s general election in the constituency of North Douglas.

Originally from South Africa, Mr Wannenburgh moved to the island in 1994, and has spent the past 25 years working in the events, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.

He earned a Business Studies degree from the International Business School in 2008, and has lived in North Douglas for the last 18 years.

Mr Wannenburgh said: ’The island warmly embraced me as soon as I arrived here.

’It’s because of this that I was able to build a thriving business and now, it’s time for me to give something back.

’I know I can bring a fresh perspective to the problems the island faces."

His priorities are the economic recovery of the island, support for small business, and creating opportunities that encourage the island’s youth to keep living and working here.

Mr Wannenburgh launched the Sporting and Dining club in 2006, and worked to bring ’leading celebrities from the worlds of sport, business, entertainment and politics’ to the island.

Since then over 120 of these events have taken place to raise over £142,000 for more than 60 local charities.

So far, current MHK Ralph Peake and Kevin Oliphant-Smith have also declared their intention to stand in Douglas North.