Peel Commissioner says role is 'too important' for people to hold for their own ambition

Ray Harmer says it's 'fundamentally' about serving the local community

A Peel commissioner says joining a local authority is a 'positive' sacrifice and can be 'really rewarding'.

Ray Harmer says the role is 'too important' for people to stand for because of their own ambition and believes it's 'fundamentally' about serving the local community.

Elections are being held in April and are a chance for residents to stand, and vote in new members to represent their area. 

Mr Harmer says those wanting to become an MHK should have some local authority experience -  he was a commissioner before being elected to House of Keys in 2015.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him: