Results from the Isle of Man’s 2026 general election are beginning to flow in, with Onchan becoming the first constituency to declare. In a significant upset, former education minister Julie Edge was not re-elected, losing her seat to scientist Rachel Glover. Outgoing Member of the House of Keys (MHK) Rob Callister successfully retained his position in the same constituency.
Following closely, Douglas South also announced its results, with both incumbent Sarah Maltby and Claire Christian winning re-election. Christian, who currently serves as health minister, expressed her delight at the outcome, thanking voters for their support.
The polling stations across the island closed at 20:00 BST on Thursday, concluding a campaign dominated by concerns over housing affordability, healthcare waiting times, wind farm developments, and the cost of living for small businesses. A total of 82 candidates are competing for the 24 available seats in the House of Keys.
Exit polls conducted by Manx Radio suggest a major turnover in the legislature, predicting that seven outgoing MHKs will lose their seats. Among those projected to be defeated are three members of the current Council of Ministers: Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber, Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine, and Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston.
Other senior figures predicted to lose their seats include former minister Lawrie Hooper, deputy speaker Michelle Haywood, and Chief Minister Alfred Cannan, who faces a tight race in the Ayre and Michael constituency with only a one-percent margin separating him from the third-place candidate.
Overall, the polls indicate that 15 new MHKs could enter Tynwald, including eight women, compared to the ten women elected in 2021. With a third of the constituencies not featuring outgoing MHKs, at least eight new faces are guaranteed in the legislature.
As results continue to be declared, key races remain too close to call in several areas, including Arbory, Castletown, Malew, Douglas East, and Rushen. Elected members are scheduled to be sworn in by the deemsters on Tuesday, with the new House of Keys set to sit on 13 October to nominate a chief minister and speaker.
Eight women elected is good progress, but I wonder if the new ministers can actually tackle the housing crisis.
Does this mean the Chief Minister might actually lose his seat? A one percent margin is razor thin.
Julie Edge losing is a shocker. Looks like voters are really tired of the status quo in Onchan.