This year’s General Election has seen a wide range of candidates - from business owners and private sector employees to local commissioners and former MHKs.

Of these 82 candidates vying for a place in the House of Keys across 12 constituencies, most are over the age of 25, with varying amounts of political and career experience over a large number of years.

However, two young candidates in this year’s General Election are looking to break the mould of the ‘typical’ MHK.

Daniel Davison, an 18-year-old who is standing in Glenfaba and Peel, and Gabriella Corkish, a 20-year-old standing in Onchan, have both stood forward for one of the 24 seats.

Having recently completed his A-levels, Daniel owns a barber shop and marketing agency and says his experience running a business has given him an insight into the concerns facing islanders, particularly young families, farmers and people worried about the pace of change.

His priorities are retaining young people in the island, ensuring infrastructure is in place before further development and improving transparency and accountability.

Asked why he’s decided to stand, Daniel said: ‘I believe the Isle of Man has been far too reactive and not proactive to problems that occur.

‘As a younger person, I bring a brand new perspective into government and we could really succeed. As well as that, I will be here long after decisions are made.’

Asked if he thinks him stepping forward as a young person gives the island's younger demographic a better chance to be heard, Daniel said: ‘100%.

‘Naturally as humans we resonate with those who share similar problems and life experiences to us, and this is it - I’ve been through the education system and I understand the people that are younger and the difficulties they face.

‘I also hope it will encourage younger people to vote, but I fear a lot have missed the deadline and are also not tuned in with Manx politics.’

Meanwhile, in Onchan, Gabriella Corkish is an independent candidate and Onchan District Commissioner, having been elected in 2025.

She says her priorities include infrastructure, education, food security and support for pensioners and vulnerable households, as well as better coordination in health and social care, support for children and vulnerable people, and food security and affordability.

‘It’s time younger people were given a seat at the political table as lots of these decisions that are being made will likely affect my generation,’ Gabriella said.

‘I think young people will be far more interested in what goes on in government if young people were elected, as it gives them someone to relate to. I think young people find it quite scary to get involved in politics or don’t know where to start. I want to change this, as young people should be given more of a chance to be heard.

‘Ultimately, I want to encourage more young people to take an interest in what’s happening, have their say and, most importantly, get out and vote. The decisions made today are going to shape the island that my generation builds its future in.’