A new organisation backed by Island business people, has emerged in Manx politics.

It's called the Manx Election Trust and it is supporting Douglas East by-election candidate Kevin Woodford.

Mr Woodford says he was approached by the Trust to stand for the seat, but remains Independent.

Manx Radio has approached the Trust to clarify its objectives and its funding arrangements with the candidate, but has not yet received a reply.

Mr Woodford says the body is still very much in its infancy (play audio file):

A series of interviews with the six candidates in the Douglas East by-election begins on Mandate next week.

The other candidates are: Kate Beecroft of the Liberal Vannin Party, and Independents Colin Cain, Chris Heath, John Joughin and Chris Robertshaw.