Onchan election result stands but Edge loses votes

Most candidates see total number of votes change

The General Election result in Onchan stands but a recount has showed discrepancies in the number of votes most of the candidates actually polled.

Held as a result of the petition brought by Julie Edge, the recount saw one candidate gain 100 votes compared to their September total. 

Ms Edge launched her election petition after she called the handling of the Onchan vote and its declaration into question.

Today (10 November) at Douglas Courthouse, the result was declared as follows:

Rob Callister - 1,184
Gabriella Corkish - 703
Julie Edge 858
Dr Rachel Glover 1,252
Peter Karran 838
Oliver Lockwood 50

Mr Karran saw the biggest vote increase, up 100 from the 738 counted on election night, while Mr Callister saw an increase of 81. 

Dr Glover, who topped the poll, also saw a rise as she gained an extra seven votes. 

However, Ms Edge lost eight votes and Miss Corkish lost 22. 

Mr Lockwood's result stayed the same. 

Including postal ballots, the total number received were 2,618, with 10 spoilt ballots. 

Speaking outside the courthouse, Ms Edge said noted that most of the candidates had seen a change in their votes.

She added: "The whole point of my petition was the integrity of our democratic process and our right to vote and for the votes to be counted correctly.

"Obviously, a report will now go to the Deemster and the Deemster will decide next steps with regards to the petition."

Mr Callister said the result was a case of 'justice being served', but also that he 'was surprised by some of the additional votes'.

He added: "From election night to today, I've obviously gained extra 80 votes. I'm a little concerned for Peter Karran, whose votes increased by 100 votes.

"But hopefully, at the end of it, there will be this overall review that we have after every House of Keys general election, where we look at the process and allow candidates, returning officers and the public to make their submissions about how they felt the election process has been is undertaken."

You can find out more HERE.