A former trade union official wants to become an Onchan commissioner.

James Corrin will contest the seat made vacant following the resignation of Brian Stowell earlier this week.

In June, Mr Corrin announced he would stand for Onchan in the General Election only to withdraw 10 days later, citing ‘personal reasons’.

The former employee of the Manx Electricity Authority believes Onchan is well run but is particularly concerned with vandalism and what he calls ‘a lack of police presence’.

He has also jumped to the defence of Mr Stowell – the victim of a smear campaign during the election – and believes he is well equipped to replace him.

Mr Stowell has offered his backing to Mr Corrin and says he’ll make a positive contribution to the board if elected.

He says with the seat only available until April next year, when the local authority elections are due to be held, a by-election would be a pointless exercise and an unnecessary cost to ratepayers and candidates alike.