Ramsey GP Dr Alex Allinson has announced that he will be standing for the town in September’s general election.
He will step down from his place on the town’s commissioners ahead of the local elections on April 28.
Dr Allinson moved to the island from central London with his young family 15 years ago to join the Ramsey Group Practice and work at the Cottage Hospital.
He is a former president of the Isle of Man Medical Society, Lifeboat Medical Officer, chair of the Grammar School Association and member of the town’s Chamber of Commerce.
He said: ‘It has been a privilege to be a commissioner for the last eight years and I believe that in that time the improvements to the town have made Ramsey an even better place to live and work in.
‘Ramsey, and the island in general, faces major challenges over the next few years both in terms of the economy and the way our society is changing. It is for this reason that I have decided to stand for MHK in the general election this September.’
He added: ‘The Isle of Man has to plan for the future. We need to invest far more in community services; recruit more GPs and district nurses to support vulnerable people at home and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
‘I welcome the changes being made to make sheltered housing focus on those people who really need it, however we also have to look at the way we provide care for people who want to stay in their own homes and support them and their families to do this.
‘There is a major problem recruiting and retaining doctors, nurses and teachers. The island needs to attract people with essential skills through financial incentives and by advertising the distinct advantages of living here.’