A former Douglas councillor and a nurse are the first candidates to step forward in a bid to win the Douglas East seat in the House of Keys.

Jon Joughin was one of several local authority members who were forced to quit in July because they weren't on the electoral register.

Thirty one year old Clare Bettison is a nurse at Noble's Hospital.

The Douglas East seat became vacant when Brenda Cannell resigned following the sudden death of her husband, Charlie, earlier this year. She had represented the constituency for nearly 19 years.

The date for the by-election has not yet been set but it's expected to be before the end of this year, leaving the successful candidate less than a year before the General Election.

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