Tributes paid as Christian bids farewell to council

Outgoing members thanked ahead of election

The leader of Douglas Council has been praised for his 'devotion to public service' as he attended his final public meeting ahead of the local authority elections.

David Christian, who was first elected in 1987, is not seeking re-election when voters head to the polls next Thursday.

Thanks were also expressed to other departing councillors Helen Callow, Raina Chatel, Carol Crawley and Elizabeth Quirk for work carried out during their time in office.

Mayor of Douglas Jon Joughin is standing down too as his efforts now turn to contesting September's House of Keys election.

He paid tribute to Mr Christian's 34 years in the council, saying he had "devoted his entire adult life to public service."

A number of fellow members also offered their best wishes to the outgoing leader, who has been in the role since 2003.

John Skinner, who proposed Mr Christian for Freedom of the Borough in 2018, thanked him for his "guidance and support" during their time working together.

Victoria Ward member Ian Clague commended his achievements over the last three decades and admitting he was "hauled over the coals" by the leader when he deserved it.

Members rose to their feet to give Mr Christian a standing ovation.

Councillor Callow "enjoyed" her five years as a local authority member but felt it was "not appropriate to stand" after moving out of the capital.

Meanwhile, Mrs Crawley said she "didn't come in to change the world or to make a name for myself", adding she used her time to deliver value for the ratepayers and "leave[s] with plenty of good memories."

Having been on the council since 1999, Mrs Quirk said it had been an "honour and a privilege to serve the people of Douglas."

Polls open on Thursday, 22 July for voters in Douglas to elect a new council.

The authority will be reduced from 18 to 12 members with the constituencies also changing to mirror those in central government.

Three members are to be elected from Douglas Central, North and East.

Steven Robert Crellin, Frank Scheungel and Claire Louise Wells will represent Douglas South for the next term, having been elected unopposed.