A colourful character in the world of Manx politics has died.

Charles ’Buster’ Lewin died suddenly at his home in Braddan on April 6 at the age of 64, with his partner Christina at his side.

It was only last month that Mr Lewin announced that he was intending to put his name forward for election to the House of Keys.

Mr Lewin had led a somewhat chequered history - including being jailed for three-and-a-half years for his role in dishonestly securing proxy votes in the 2010 Douglas East by-election.

He admitted charges of conspiracy to effect legal purpose by improper means, conspiracy to steal, and conspiracy to forge.

Mr Lewin was also declared bankrupt in 2015 and was dismissed as clerk to Braddan Commissioners in 2007.

The commissioners agreed to settle his claim for unfair dismissal when he took his case to the employment tribunal.

Having announced he was going to stand for the Douglas South by-election, just days later he said he would not proceed with his nomination after all.

Explaining his reasons, he said: ’I would be exposing myself to the virus as I have underlying medical problems.’

In the event, the Douglas South by-election has been put on hold under emergency Covid regulations.

Braddan Parish Commissioners have resolved to continue to try to recover the money owed to the authority by Mr Lewin.

Chairman Andrew Jessopp, speaking purely in a personal capacity, said Mr Lewin’s death offered a moment to reflect on a ’very sorry and damaging chapter in our parish history’.

He said: ’Buster may have been seen in certain quarters as some kind of folk hero. However, in reality, his various misdeeds, over an extended period of time, amounted to a really serious abuse of power.

’The lessons to be learned from this extended sorry saga must surely include the importance of speaking truth to power, and of ensuring that our systems of government - national or local- are truly accountable.’

Due to current coronavirus restrictions, a private funeral for Mr Lewin will be held for immediate family only.

There will be a chance to celebrate Buster’s interesting life at a later date to be announced.

He also leaves his sister Marion.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Friends of Noble’s Hospital c/o Mrs Jayne Gelling, 53 Ard Reayrt, Laxey Road, IM4 7RQ.