Ramsey candidate Rob Cowell is standing for election with a clear ambition: to bring people together, make better decisions and help build a more confident and prosperous future for Ramsey and the Isle of Man.
A local business owner and former chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners, Mr Cowell says he believes the island’s best years can still lie ahead, but that government needs to be more ambitious, efficient and willing to embrace change.
He is standing for the House of Keys at the General Election on September 24, with a campaign focused on three main priorities: growing the economy, fixing government and protecting taxpayers, and delivering for Ramsey.
Mr Cowell says his experience of running businesses and serving in local government has given him an understanding of both the challenges facing the Island and the opportunities available.
‘Success comes from listening, bringing the right people together, and having the courage to make decisions that move things forward,’ he says.
During his time as a Ramsey Town Commissioner, including as chairman, he says he worked with residents, community groups and local businesses to improve services and support the development of the town.
Now he wants to take that approach into national politics.
At the heart of his campaign is his belief that economic growth is essential to maintaining the island’s public services.
Mr Cowell says the Isle of Man needs to become ‘faster, more competitive, more business-friendly and more attractive to investment’, with support for entrepreneurs and small businesses alongside growth in sectors including finance, technology, maritime and digital industries.
He also wants faster planning and licensing processes, greater use of digital government, smarter regulation and competitive taxation.
‘The Isle of Man should be one of the best places in the British Isles to start, grow and scale a business,’ he says.
His second priority is reforming government and ensuring taxpayers receive value for money.
Mr Cowell believes residents are paying more but can too often feel they are receiving less in return.
He is calling for independent reviews of major projects, departmental efficiency reviews, clearer performance targets and greater accountability for overspending and poor outcomes.
‘Government must operate with the same discipline expected of businesses and households,’ he says.
For Ramsey itself, his priorities include flood defences and Quayside regeneration, improvements to the High Street, protecting healthcare access in the North, progressing Cummal Mooar responsibly and increasing housing delivery.
He also wants to see more brownfield development, private investment and continued support for Ramsey as a vibrant northern centre.
Away from politics and business, Mr Cowell is a father of two and partner to Rachel.
He says his motivation for standing is partly driven by wanting future generations to have the opportunity to build successful lives on the Isle of Man without feeling they have to leave to fulfil their ambitions.
He believes advances in artificial intelligence, new technology and changing global markets mean the island is at an important turning point.
‘The Isle of Man has reinvented itself before, and I believe it can do so again,’ he says.
If elected, Mr Cowell says he will aim to be visible and accessible, provide regular updates, vote independently, challenge poor decisions and focus on delivery.
‘Politics should be about competence, accountability and results,’ he says.
With the General Election approaching, Mr Cowell says he is asking voters in Ramsey to support his vision of a stronger constituency and a more ambitious Isle of Man.
‘I’m standing to bring people together, make good decisions and help build a more confident, ambitious future for Ramsey and the Isle of Man,’ he says.