Juan Watterson, sitting Rushen MHK and 36 year old Chartered Accountant and Management graduate, has announced that he will defend his seat at this year’s general election.
“When I first stood for the House of Keys it was on the basis that we needed MHKs who understood public services and could provide real value for money. During my last five years as Home Affairs Minister, with the help of dedicated teams, I have reduced spending by 25%, and the headcount by 14%. Despite this, we have pursued a new criminal justice strategy, kept all of the retained fire stations, developed an award winning prison and reduced crime to levels not seen since 1970. The next five years will be dominated by financial pressures, and internationally the fall-out from Brexit. We will need to instil confidence that Government can still provide a great place to live and work despite this turbulence. I believe over my ten years of service I have a strong record of doing better with less money.”
“I have also instigated the Armed Forces Covenant and initiated the British Army Reserves on the Island, bringing in an estimated ?250,000 per annum of UK Government money into the Island’s economy.”
“Locally, I have worked with my colleagues on legislation to tackle derelict buildings, am the founding Chairman of Rushen Heritage Trust, Treasurer of Southern Befrienders, Vice Chairman of Port Erin Royal British Legion. I also act as Independent Examiner for Port Erin Traders and TravelWatch, which I am happy to support.”
