John Caley McBride has announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate for election as MHK for East Douglas in the forthcoming General Election.

John, a company director, was born and raised in East Douglas and resides within the constituency still.

He attended Douglas High School and IoM College before spending his working life in the motor industry; starting as an apprentice technician and quickly graduating to management and to the position of Director and General Manager, both on the island and in the South of England.

John said: "I have a wealth of experience in all aspects of setting up and running a busy and diverse business including staff recruitment and motivation, financial planning, achievement and monitoring of targets, customer satisfaction, change management and facilities planning. I am a strong leader, experienced and comfortable communicating at all levels.

"I am a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry, and past Chairman of the island’s Retail Motor Industry Federation.

"I am Chairman of the Manx Grand Prix Rider’s Association and Vice Chairman of the Isle of Man ACU Centre.

"I am also Chairman of the 1st Douglas Scout Group and a Lay Member of the Island Scout Association Executive.

"I believe that East Douglas is the cornerstone of our economy and the gateway to our island. I am glad that my previous manifesto had the effect of alerting some of our politicians to this fact.

"We need East Douglas to be a vibrant showcase for the island and what it has to offer, with an urgently refurbished Promenade roadway and ease of parking all around the town as the first priority."