Policy and Reform Minister to seek re-election

Ray Harmer has become one of the latest to announce his plans to stand in this years elections.

Mr Harmer, who represents Peel & Glenfaba, has also held the role of Policy & Reform Minister since last year and previously as Infrastructure Minister between 2016 and 2020.

Declaring his plans, he says: "It has been an honour to represent and support the people of Glenfaba and Peel over the last five years.

"Locally, I’ve led a number of key projects including the reconstruction of the heritage trail, the rebuilding of Foxdale main road, the new Peel Bridge, the completion of Market Place and protecting the Peel marina from silting up

"The West were first to move forward with an integrated health and social care model, which now needs to be fully implemented, including residential and respite care in the West.

"Nationally, infrastructure has been key to the economy such as the fibre rollout, the purchase of our lifeline the Steam Packet and the new ferry user agreement. However, social inclusion remains vitally important such as expanding affordable housing and the living wage.

While there has been much progress, there still remains more to do and complete."

He joins fellow representative for the area, Geoffrey Boot MHK, and MLC Kate Lord-Brennan in plans to secure a seat in the region when voters go to the polls in September.