THE controversy surrounding the East Douglas House of Keys by-election looks like rumbling on for some time.

The election has been surrounded in speculation and uncertainty for several weeks over the ‘blind trust’ backing of Kevin Woodford’s campaign. Dandara’s name was linked with the trust, and denied by the company, but then Charles ‘Buster’ Lewin became embroiled in the situation and made several comments to the media which complicated the issue.

Investigations have also been conducted by the police into alleged wrong-doings regarding proxy votes with four people arrested and questioned at length before being released on bail.

Then, on Wednesday, Mr Lewin was arrested in Douglas and spent most of the day answering questions connected to the election and was released on bail.

South Douglas MHK David Cretney became involved on election day yesterday (Thursday) when he said that the by-election should have been postponed because of the circumstances.

He said, “I think it is unfortunate that statements have been made in relation to persons who have been interviewed by the police and released on bail and then people have been putting two and two together and perhaps that will have had an impact on the outcome of the election.

“I do believe in fair elections and everyone having a fair chance. I think if the election had been put back until the outcome of the police proceedings were concluded then that would have been more helpful.”

RESULT:

Chris Robertshaw 388

Kate Beecroft 301

Kevin Woodford 276

Colin Cain 245

Jon Joughin 146

Chris Heath  72

Votes cast: 1434. Percentage vote: 37%