Candidate for Rushen · 1 previous term · Announced 15 June 2026
Rushen MHK to stand for re-election in September; Michelle Haywood has represented the constituency since 2021.
AI-generated summary from all available evidence sources
Michelle Haywood stands for re-election in Rushen, building on her experience as an MHK and former Infrastructure Minister. Her campaign is centred around practical, community-focused priorities, with a strong emphasis on economic stability, housing reform, infrastructure improvement, and environmental responsibility.
Haywood’s manifesto is practical and reformist, shaped by her experience in government and her commitment to the Rushen community. However, some policy areas lack detail, particularly regarding funding and implementation, and voters may wish to seek further specifics on her proposals for housing, environmental transition, and governance reform.
Haywood has publicly opposed recent tax cuts, arguing they undermine the long-term stability of public finances (Manx.News, 'Haywood Uses Circus Imagery to Attack Budget'). She prioritises jobs and economic resilience, advocating for practical, fair outcomes for local communities (Manx Radio profile).
While she criticises tax cuts, her alternative plans for economic growth or revenue generation are not detailed. It is unclear how she would balance investment in jobs with fiscal caution.
No position data yet
Haywood lists housing as a top priority, referencing infrastructure and affordability issues in Rushen (Manx Radio profile). She has highlighted the need for practical solutions to local housing shortages.
Her manifesto does not specify concrete policies or funding mechanisms to address housing affordability or supply, nor how she would overcome planning or budgetary constraints.
No position data yet
Haywood has consistently advocated for moving away from fossil fuels, supporting renewable energy and environmental sustainability (Manx.News, 'Haywood: We Must Move Away From Fossil Fuels'). Her background in marine biology reinforces her environmental credibility.
She does not provide specifics on how the transition would be funded or what immediate steps would be taken, especially in the context of the Isle of Man's energy security and cost concerns.
As former Infrastructure Minister, Haywood has campaigned on fixing local roads and highlighted potholes in Port St Mary (Manx.News, 'Haywood vs pot holes'). She emphasises practical infrastructure improvements.
While she has drawn attention to local issues, there is limited detail on broader transport policy, such as public transport reform or the Steam Packet's monopoly.
No position data yet
No position data yet
No position data yet
Haywood has criticised the current administration for instability and lack of courage (Manx.News, 'Dr Haywood: Cannan Lacks Courage'), calling for more open and constructive government. She pledges to remain engaged and accountable.
Her critiques are pointed but her own specific proposals for governance reform or increasing public trust are not outlined.
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 have strongly criticised recent tax cuts as undermining public finances. What specific revenue-raising or spending measures would you introduce to support your priorities for jobs and infrastructure without increasing the deficit?
Housing affordability is a major concern in Rushen and across the island. What concrete policies would you pursue to increase affordable housing supply, and how would you address planning and funding challenges?
You advocate for moving away from fossil fuels, but the Isle of Man faces high energy costs and limited renewable capacity. What immediate steps would you take to ensure a fair and secure energy transition for residents and businesses?
As former Infrastructure Minister, what lessons have you learned about delivering road and transport improvements, and how would you address persistent issues like the Steam Packet’s monopoly and public transport reliability?
You have criticised the current government's instability and lack of courage. What specific governance reforms or transparency measures would you champion to restore public trust in Tynwald?
Your manifesto highlights local infrastructure and environmental priorities, but does not mention the digital economy or NHS waiting times—two pressing issues for many islanders. What are your positions on digital innovation and healthcare reform?
Given your opposition to tax cuts and support for increased public investment, how would you balance these goals within the constraints of the Isle of Man’s limited tax base and ageing population?
Can you provide examples from your previous term where you successfully delivered on your campaign promises, and what obstacles did you encounter in areas where progress was limited?
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.
Stated policy positions (research pack)
candidate-research-pack## Stated policy positions Primary source: [Manx Radio 2026 candidate profile](https://www.manxradio.com/election-2026/election-candidates/michelle-haywood/). The following is candidate-supplied profile material published by Manx Radio; it should not be treated as independent verification. - Michelle Haywood - Michelle Haywood is an independent candidate standing in the constituency of Rushen. - She is currently one of its two MHKs, having first been elected in 2021. - She has three children and two Collies called Skipper and Captain, as well as a cage of stick insects which take a lot less walking! - In her spare time, Michelle enjoys scuba diving, snorkelling and marine biology, and is also a wreck explorer, a writer and a business director. - Michelle says: " Serving as an MHK since 2021 has been a great privilege but also a responsibility that I have taken seriously, particularly at times when trust in politics is often under strain. - " It is a role serving the public unlike any other. I have tirelessly sought to represent my local community honestly, openly and with determination. - " If re-elected for a second term, I will build on my experience and knowledge from my first term, remain engaged with local concerns and work constructively to secure practical, fair outcomes for the Rushen community and the Island as a whole. " - We asked each candidate to tell us what their priorities would be if elected. - Michelle chose the economy and jobs, housing and infrastructure.
News coverage and public record
candidate-research-pack## News coverage and public record - **Manx.News:** [Dr Haywood to Seek Re-election](https://www.manx.news/dr-haywood-to-seek-re-election/) — Dr Michelle Haywood has announced she will seek re-election for Rushen in September’s General Election #isleofman - **Manx.News:** [Haywood Uses Circus Imagery to Attack Budget](https://www.manx.news/haywood-uses-circus-imagery-to-attack-budget/) — Dr Haywood made clear that she opposes the tax cuts entirely, stating that 'we don’t need tax cuts funded by weakening the long‑term stability of public finances'. #isleofman - **Manx.News:** [Dr Haywood: Cannan Lacks Courage](https://www.manx.news/dr-haywood-cannan-lacks-courage/) — Former Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood has issued a stinging rebuke of Chief Minister Alf Cannan, accusing his administration of being one of “chaotic and unstable” leadership #isleofman - **Manx.News:** [Dr Haywood Leaves CoMin](https://www.manx.news/dr-haywood-leaves-comin/) — Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood MHK has left the Council of Ministers after 15 months as DoI Minister #isleofman - **Manx.News:** [Haywood: ‘We Must Move Away From Fossil Fuels’](https://www.manx.news/haywood-we-must-move-away-from-fossil-fuels/) — Speaking on the 2021 Election Time programme the now Infrastructure Minister explained why she believes the island shouldn't rely on fossil fuels. #isleofman - **Manx.News:** [Haywood vs pot holes](https://www.manx.news/haywood-vs-pot-holes/) — As promised in Tynwald last month, Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood has highlighted the biggest pot holes in Port St Mary High Street by planting daffodils.
Interviews and media
candidate-research-pack## Interviews, videos and transcripts - [Candidate Interview](https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3a58c21e-3da2-492d-aed2-b6656fda6209/) - [Two Minutes to Tell Us Transcript](https://mmo.aiircdn.com/61/6a28368172a6c.docx) - [Candidate Interview Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/SfdYP8Fr9Ps?rel=0)
Candidacy reported by Manx Radio
Manx RadioRushen MHK to stand for re-election in September; Michelle Haywood has represented the constituency since 2021.
