Two Ramsey Commissioners have been forced to stand down because they are not on the voters list.

It follows the sacking of Douglas councillor John Joughin after he was found not to be on the register of electors.

Now, Ramsey commissioners Geoff Quayle and Wilf Young have lost their seats.

A statement from central government urged local authorities to take a 'pragmatic and practical approach' when interpreting the relevant legislation. But Douglas Council highlighted the clause (see below) that it says forced its hand.

As a result, Ramsey Commissioners held a special meeting after it emerged neither Mr Quayle nor Mr Young were on the voters list.

A statement from Ramsey Town Hall says: 'In making its decision the Commissioners were mindful that a decision to permit persons not qualified to continue as members could result in decisions taken by the authority being open to challenge and could place those persons at risk of having proceedings taken against them for acting as a commissioner while not qualified to do so.

'The Commissioners very much regret the loss of two long standing commissioners but feels, however, obliged to comply with the requirements of the law as it presently stands.'

Nomination papers are now available to elect two new members of the commissioners, with an election date of September 6. Those elected will serve until the end of April next year.

The clause states: "6. Qualifications for election and holding office as member of local authority
A person shall, unless disqualified by virtue of this Act or any other enactment, be qualified to be elected and to be a member of a local authority for any district if his name is entered on the register of electors for that or any other district and on the day of the election he has attained the age of 18.”


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