Candidate for Middle · Announced 11 April 2026
Senior surgeon at Noble's Hospital with more than 15 years practising on the Isle of Man. Announced candidacy on 11 April 2026 for the Middle constituency at the 2026 House of Keys general election (24 September 2026). Frames his campaign around urgent reform of the Manx NHS, sustainable public finances, and a housing market that works for young Manx residents rather than speculators. Has no prior political experience; stands without party affiliation.
AI-generated summary from all available evidence sources
Andre Risha is a senior surgeon at Noble's Hospital with more than 15 years' experience on the Isle of Man. He announced his candidacy for the Middle constituency on 11 April 2026, standing without party affiliation. His campaign is built on professional authority in healthcare combined with a strong fiscal-responsibility message, positioning him as a reformist outsider with clinical credibility.
Risha is a first-time candidate with no prior political record, running in Middle - a two-seat rural constituency currently held by incumbents of established standing. His appeal rests on clinical authority on the NHS issue (a dominant concern in Manx polling) and a pragmatic, fiscally-conservative reform agenda. A fuller manifesto is expected closer to the 24 September 2026 election.
Economically right-of-centre framing: emphasis on public-spending discipline, controlling the size of government, and protecting long-term financial security. Not anti-state — he is an NHS surgeon — but wary of waste and bureaucratic drift. [Manx Radio]
Risha's defining issue. As a serving senior surgeon at Noble's, he's campaigning for 'urgent reforms within the Manx NHS' — informed by 15+ years inside the service. Specific proposals not yet published, but his professional authority on healthcare delivery is his primary credential with voters. [Manx Radio announcement, 11 Apr 2026]
Wants to restrict speculative property purchasing on the Isle of Man and incentivise first-time buyers, explicitly referencing Channel Islands models (e.g. Jersey and Guernsey residency/property control regimes) as a template. This is a markedly more interventionist position than most recent Manx housing rhetoric. [Manx Radio candidate profile]
No position data yet
No position data yet
No position data yet
No position data yet
While not a headline theme, his housing position — restricting speculative purchasing in favour of Manx first-time buyers — implies support for tighter controls on non-resident property investment. No stated position on work-permit policy. [implied from housing stance]
Tackles cost of living indirectly via tourism and business-growth measures rather than direct support. Wants VAT relief expanded beyond the current 5% accommodation-only band to incentivise the wider tourism sector. Argues stronger tourism revenue helps fund public services without raising taxes on residents. [Manx Radio]
Calls for reform of 'Mad March' spending — the civil service pattern where departments rush to spend remaining budget before year-end because underspend is penalised in the following year's allocation. Also wants to control the growth in public-sector headcount and bureaucracy that expanded during and after the pandemic. Frames this as a fiscal-responsibility issue: 'If we are to protect our financial security for future generations, action has to be taken now to bring about good governance.' [Manx Radio candidate profile, 11 Apr 2026]
AI-generated questions based on the candidate's manifesto, policy positions, public statements, and gaps in their platform — grounded in Isle of Man data.
You promise urgent NHS reform and shorter waiting times, but how would you fund these improvements given the Island’s fiscal constraints and the current Manx Care budget structure?
Your housing proposals reference Channel Islands models. What specific legal mechanisms would you introduce to restrict speculative purchasing, and how would you ensure these do not harm the rental market or property values for existing Manx residents?
You call for extending tourism VAT relief beyond accommodation. How would you offset the resulting loss in government revenue, and what evidence do you have that this would deliver sustainable economic benefits?
You criticise 'Mad March' spending and bureaucratic expansion, but which departments or services would you cut or restructure? Can you provide examples of waste you would target?
Your manifesto does not mention transport, including the Steam Packet monopoly or TT infrastructure. What are your views on these issues, and how would you improve Island connectivity and event resilience?
Given the Island’s digital economy ambitions and skills shortages, what policies would you support to modernise digital infrastructure and attract/retain skilled workers?
How would you address the environmental and climate challenges facing the Isle of Man, given their impact on public health and quality of life?
If elected, what specific measures would you introduce to increase transparency and accountability in Tynwald, and how would you overcome resistance from established political interests?
All scores, summaries, and questions are AI-generated from public evidence.They do not imply wrongdoing.
Every source used in the AI analysis, linked and timestamped.
Surgeon announces he's standing in General Election
Manx RadioAndre Risha, senior surgeon at Noble's Hospital with 15+ years on the Island, declares for Middle constituency. Headline pledges: urgent NHS reform, housing market reform, 'Mad March' spending reform, controlling public-sector bureaucratic growth, and expanding tourism VAT relief. Quote: 'If we are to protect our financial security for future generations, action has to be taken now to bring about good governance.'
Andre Risha — Manx Radio Election 2026 Candidate Profile
Manx RadioOfficial Manx Radio candidate profile page. Confirms profession (senior surgeon, Noble's Hospital), policy priorities (NHS reform, housing, Mad March spending, bureaucratic growth, tourism VAT), and contact details (andre.risha@gov.im, 07624 451466).
