Shimmin won't be running for top job

A member of the House of Keys who stood for chief minister after the Isle of Man's last general election has confirmed he is not interested in the position this time.

West Douglas MHK John Shimmin says he was among the more experienced members of the Keys when he put his name forward after the 2006 poll, but other members may now be ready to seek the top job in Manx politics.

On Mandate today (Thursday) Mr Shimmin said he put off declaring his intention to defend his seat until the Manx public had absorbed the news the Isle of Man is to lose another £75 million in VAT revenue from the United Kingdom.

He said his election campaign would focus on how the Island could sustain a vibrant economy (listen to audio file below):

Five people have declared in the two-seat constituency of West Douglas so far, namely Mr Shimmin, fellow sitting member Geoff Corkish and challengers Martin Moore, John Skinner and Chris Thomas.